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)
Thank you Cheryl for this wonderful tribute. May God bless you and your family and know that others share in your loss.
Dang we’ll miss you tons boss 😢
From the days of our youth we became acquainted. We served together in Virginia until the establishment of the North Carolina District. After my retirement he served as my Apostle in Detroit until his retirement. We often embraced each other in his visits his family. We will miss his smile and the connection we always had in our faith. Our sincere condolences to Cheryl and his family.
The Anteo Family
Apostol Hecht was a faithful man of God.. he helped us with establishing the food bank in the Lake Worth congregation in Florida. He will be remembered for his love to others. We will really miss him. Rest in Peace.
Desiderabo te, amice mi. Esto in pace donec iterum conveniamus.
I met Apostle Hecht for the first time some 35+ years ago in Detroit. It was always a pleasure to have another encounter when the time permitted. A joyful spirit and a lovely soul. Condolences to Cheryl and the entire family. We will miss him.
My dear Apostle, dear father,
from the very first day I met you, your love was palpable through your deeds and actions.
I rediscovered the love of Christ through your love during my life in Charlotte.
You did not only care about our physical existence or needs, but you treated us as if Jesus were by our side.
I can no longer cry, because I believe you are at peace and continue to wait for the return of the Lord.
I will continue to see you through all your teachings, and guidance, in professional life, and special spiritual life. and especially through your wife, dear Cheryl.” lovely mother. To all family I continue to pray for you!!
We were heartbroken to learn of Apostle Hecht’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Losing a husband/parent is one of life’s greatest challenges, and I hope you find strength in the love and support of those around you.
Apostle Hecht was a person whose presence touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We will always remember his infection smile and the way he always made people feel welcome. These memories are a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.
Though words can never fully ease the pain of loss, I hope you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together. May those memories bring you peace and remind you of the love that will always remain in your hearts.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
His smile, passionate preaching, and service to God will always be remembered by those who had the chance to meet him. Until we meet again.
He reflected the love and hope of Our Lord with his voice and messages to his congregations.
Forever grateful.
Dear Bereaved
I had also the privilege to be in a Divine Service where the Apostle was invited to serve our youth here in SA.
I also wish to express my sincere condolences to the family.
PLEASE remain faithful.
Then we shall all meet him again.
Lawrence Fell
SA
Reinhard Hecht,
was one who always served with Fire and Zeal for the lord.When each time he stepped foot behind the Altar, you had to buckel up and getting ready for some spirtual zeal for the lord. He inspired many people. He was one who always had our back during tuff times, Hard conversation and led with conviction. We were his first wedding ever held and my wife and I have watched that VHS wedding many times and when he locked hands with us to pray , he brought Heaven down with him. It was powerful and fulfilling and 33 years later he hangs on our wall everyday knowing the foundation of Prayer and Faith follows us even after 33 years of marriage. He was a good man, a servant for the lord and We pray for his wife and family.
Our Dear Apostle Hetch,
We loved him so much. I was so sad when he retired but thankful that we had a person as great for replacement in Apostle Ferguson. My heart’s been saying to send him an email ever since I heard he was sick. He acquired a special place in my heart when he came one time, years ago to Palm Beach Gardens Congregation and the first thing he did after he stepped out of the car is walk into the little villa behind the church where we were having Sunday School. I introduced him to the children, he spoke with them a bit and even prayed with us. I strive to love the children as he did. Thank you for things seen and unseen. Thank you dear family for sharing him with us. Dear sister, children and grandkids please know that his work was not in vein. He touched us profoundly. He will undoubtedly be missed. Your sins are forgiven you Apostle Hecht. Go in Peace. May he share the same enthusiasm and love that he shared with us here to the souls in eternity. On behalf of the Haitian Congregation, we will keep our faith alive, we love you, and love to the entire family.
With great sadness we read about “our” Apostle Hecht passed away. We have met Apostle Reinhard Hecht during our time in Michigan and he left ineffaceable traces in our hearts and souls. We will never forget his personal and caring way to approach brothers and sisters.
He took time for and remembered everybody’s sorrows and only after he had talked to every single member of the congregation, hours later, he took time for himself to get something to eat. He was humble and loving.
He will have a place in our hearts forever.
We know him at home in God’s hands.
Our thoughts and condolences are with you, dear Cheryl and the whole family.
With deepest love and regards, Anette and Bernd