Lee Alan Hecht

Lee A. Hecht passed away in Rochester on July 11th, 2021.

Lee was born February 28th, 1942 in Klondike, Iowa to Ernest and Florence (Hackbarth) Hecht.

He graduated from West Lyon High School as Valedictorian in 1960 and graduated from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa with a B.Sc. in Accounting, Highest Honors in 1968. He received his C.P.A. in 1969. He married Dottie Neville, whom he met at UNI in 1967.

Professionally, Lee worked as an Auditor at Price Waterhouse in Peoria, Illinois for five years. In 1974 he joined Mayo Clinic Rochester where he established the first Internal Audit Services. In addition, over his 33 years of service with Mayo, he also served as Section Head of Medical Revenue Services, Division Chair Accounts Receivable, Division Chair of Billing and Insurance Collections, Division Chair of Systems Services and Planning, and ultimately, Chief Financial Officer of Mayo Rochester and Data Governance Administrator. Lee was known for his vision, foresight, and leadership; his focus on customer service and teamwork; and his dedication to mentoring. He retired from Mayo in 2008.

Lee is survived by his wife, Dottie, and four children: Tod (Metairie) of Plymouth MN, Scott (Zoe) of Olympia WA, Nicole (Scott) of Chesterfield MO, and Paul (Liz) of Plymouth MN. Grandchildren: Jake, Eliana, Shasta, Russel, Sebastian, Sitka, and Ben. Also his sister, Noreen (Jim) Cole of Burnsville MN and his nephew, Alex Cole along with numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister-in-law, Vicki Neville.

He will be remembered for his “off-the-wall” quotes, his poignant analogies at work, and his insatiable curiosity. Lee’s compassion and actions for those in need resulted in his dedication to the United Way and Ability Building Center.

His greatest love was for his kids and grandchildren. He loved to joke with them and call them silly names, especially “George”. His youngest grandson, Ben, called him “Yoda” from Star Wars- “all-knowing”.

Reading, fishing, golfing, storm-chasing in the station wagon, and the natural environment were his favorite pastimes. He had a deep sense of spirituality actively exploring many types of religion.

The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 20 at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester, with Pastor Nancy Handlon officiating.  Memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic Rochester Pediatrics and Quarry Hill Nature Center.  Online condolences are welcome and may be shared at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.