Reinhard Hecht was born on December 12, 1953, in Freudenstadt, Germany. In the early 1970s, he traveled to the United States to visit his great aunt and uncle, Liesel and Ernst Hecht. That first visit, followed by subsequent summer trips, sparked a deep connection to the country. Drawn by opportunity and the people he met along the way, Reinhard immigrated to the United States in 1976. In 1978, he married Cheryl Munsterman, starting a life together that grew through love, faith, and shared purpose.Reinhard built a successful professional career in the United States working with automotive soundproofing suppliers based in Germany. Through his work, he played a key role in establishing company branches in both the United States and Mexico. His career took him around the world, allowing him to meet people from many cultures and made many friends along the way. Reinhard never met a stranger and possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with anyone he encountered.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reinhard was deeply inspired by the mission work of the New Apostolic Church. This calling led him to serve as a missionary in Tanzania, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. He was entrusted with the care of congregations in Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. While Reinhard worked closely with many congregations, he held a special passion for ministering to young people, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on countless young lives.
During his years in the United States, Reinhard proudly pursued the American dream, becoming an entrepreneur and later a United States citizen—an achievement that brought him great joy. After retiring, he embraced a slower pace of life and discovered a deep love for cooking, especially traditional German dishes. He became well known among family and friends for his famous Wurstsalad and German potato salad, meals he delighted in preparing and sharing with others. Traveling and spending time with his grandchildren was also a great joy in his retirement. He was always up for an adventure with the six of them.
Reinhard was a wonderful husband to his beloved wife, Cheryl; a super father to his three children, Michelle Lindstedt (Joshua), Danielle Stonebraker (Blake), and David Hecht (Brookie); and a joyful “Grampy” to his grandchildren, Henry, Graham, Audrey, Kate, Claire, and Emory. He was also a dedicated brother to his sister, Bärbel Guenther, who resides in Germany.
Reinhard Hecht’s life was one of faith, service, love, and connection. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched around the world and in the hearts of all who loved him.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Unity Presbyterian Church; 8210 Unity Church Road Denver, NC 28037 from 11:30AM to 12:30 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will follow beginning at 1:00PM. A time of fellowship will follow the service. For those unable to attend the service but still wish to participate, the service will be available to view via livestream from the NAC USA YouTube channel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Reinhard’s memory may be made to NAC USA Youth at the following link: NAC USA Youth In-Memory Donation
Every chance I had to hear Apostle Hecht serve, I did. I looked forward to every sunday school service he held, and later every youth service. I always took the best notes during his services and received so many answers and clarity. He always had the ability to seem like he was talking directly to me from the alter. His smile and infectious energy will be truly missed. May he walk with the lord in peace.
Every chance I get to see the Apostle Hecht, he’s always called me his daughter and he as a second father to me. I’ve known him my whole life. He loved our Detroit West Hmong congregation and always made sure to greet and reminisce about the good times. I will truly miss you. May you rest in peace Apostle.
We knew Reinhard, Cheryl and their three children as we lived across the street from them from 2000 to 2003. Their son, David was a regular visitor to our garage as Ron was constructing a homebuilt aircraft. We would like to think that his time with us inspired him to seek a career in aviation through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I hear he recently became a licensed pilot. We have fond memories of chasing down their dog who managed to escape at every opportunity. Our hearts go out to the Hecht family and we will keep them in our prayers.
The world is a better place because of the memories we all have of Reinhard Hecht
Apostle Hecht will always be remembered for his infectious smile, love for his fsmily,and love for our God. Wishing many condolences to the family at this difficult time. With love from Holly Springs, NC
The Walker Family
My Apostle Hecht, was a great Man of God. His first service when l moved to North Carolina gave me confidence and hope that it’s never not too late, whatever the situation is. Trust in God and keep believing. I remember when l invited him to my Religious Institution class and it was a great moment for me and the kids.. God bless His Soul. Will miss you my Apostle.
My sister and I were deeply saddened by his passing. He was our Apostol Hecht. He always welcomed us with open arms, a big smile and a warm loving hand shake. When my mother was alive he would greet us as the “three sisters” because he said that we looked like sisters. We will miss him very much. We are very thankful to God for the loving service that He gave us through our Apostol Hecht. We are thankful to his family as well for sharing the Apostol with all of us who were entrusted in his care..We will continue to pray for the family and look forward to the time when the Lord will come and we all will be with Him.
Apostle Hecht was such a sweet, kind, loving, and happy man! He was always so joyful and his smile and love for the Lord was contagious! We’re so sad to lose such a wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed by all! Prayers of love and peace to his family and to all of us who loved him.
Love, Evangelist John and Kay Steinhilper, and Melody Light
My dear Apostol you was with us in difficult moment and support us how good shepherd, We never forget your kind word, I hope you are in the arms of our father. We will missed you!
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Apostle Hecht. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl and the entire family during this difficult time. May they find comfort, love, and peace in the cherished memories of their father and grandfather, and strength for Cheryl and her husband in the days ahead.
Bee and Hermes
Dear Hecht family,
We met Apostle Hecht for the first time while we were on vacation in Fort Myers, Florida. His lively and passionate way of speaking about God deeply inspired us, and his loving and warm manner—how he embraced us after the service and welcomed us as friends—truly touched our hearts. He found a place in our hearts.
When he visited Germany a short time later and served as a guest apostle at Youth Day in 2011 with his powerful and joyful spirit, greeting us once again, we gladly continued to follow his ministry through online channels.
How shocked we were these days as we read the news on Facebook at the breakfast table, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday, that this would be his last one. We sat there deeply moved, with tears in our eyes, as we read your loving words. Together with our children, we prayed for him and for you.
We are grateful to have been able to get to know and hold in our hearts your husband, father, and grandfather. We will continue to pray for you and send our loving greetings across the Atlantic Ocean.
With heartfelt affection,
Carmen and Axel Lindemann
Oldenburg (Northern Germany)