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
May you rest in peace Apostle Hecht. Thank you for visiting me in the hospital. May God grant you eternal peace and happiness.
I remember Apostle Hecht serving in the old Detroit church and how elegantly he served. Whenever he served, I could feel the Holy Spirit speaking through him as though every word was meant for me. He and Cheryl were such a beautiful young exemplary couple. They made you smile when you saw them together. The Hecht family truly had an impact on my heart and soul. Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers.
Querido amigo, has dejado una huella imborrable en nuestros corazones, nos quedan los momentos vividos, las charlas y las experiencias compartidas, nos consuela que nos volveremos a encontrar todos juntos a la diestra del padre.
Cómo siempre, un abrazo del alma a la distancia.
Nuestras sinceras condolencias a toda la familia,
Natalia Teti, Christian Candela y Lautaro
Al amigo con quien conectamos de una forma increíble, con quien compartimos momentos que quedarán grabados por siempre en el recuerdo y el corazón, donde estés, te abrazo fuerte y espero algún día volver a vernos!!
A su familia, solo desearle la abundante bendición De Dios y un cálido abrazo a la distancia.
Hasta siempre my friend!!!
Christian Albanese y familia
Gracias Señor por permitirme caminar con Reinhard una parte del camino de la vida. Hemos sido muy felices en las largas jornadas de caminata y conversaciones apasionantes sobre el desarrollo de la Obra de Dios en nuestras Iglesias. Gracias también a su hermosa familia y especialmente a Cheryl quien con tanta entereza pudo cuidarlo con amorosa dedicación.
Hasta volvernos a ver delante del trono de Dios
We are so sorry and touched, Gods comfort to the Family. And rest in peace and hope to the first resurrection, dear Apostle Reinhard Hecht. We have had only one meeting and dialogue – at the international church day 2014. But so many good impressions, thoughts for the future and wisdomfull empowerments for developing the church and faith … That impresses me all the years. With love , thank and great respect, cordially, Thorsten Ostriga, Germany de
Apostle Hecht will be missed by all the congregations he served. He was a dedicated servant and served from the heart. He was very dedicated. I always look forward when he was coming to serve in Orlando. He has a smile that would never be forgotten. Apostle Hecht thank you for all your prayers, dedication and love. You will always be in our heart. We love you. Rest in Eternal Peace.
Liebe Cheryl, ihr Lieben alle,
wir möchten Euch unsere herzliche Anteilnahme ausdrücken und wünschen Euch viel Trost und Kraft in dieser besonderen Zeit!
Reinhards Heimgang hat uns ins Herz getroffen. Wir hätten Ihm/Euch noch noch viele gemeinsame Jahre gewünscht, der liebe Gott hat es aber anders vorgesehen.
Wir sind froh darüber, Reinhard beim letzten Videocall im August ’25 noch erlebt haben zu dürfen.
Wir haben Eure Wärme und liebenden Herzen verspürt!
Es ist tröstlich zu wissen, dass Reinhards Leidenszeit vorbei ist und er sich nun ausruhen kann, solange, bis Ihr wieder mit ihm vereint seid.
In tiefem Mitgefühl,
Christian & Andrea Lindgraf
aus Bochum/Deutschland
Donald
I looked forward to Small Group months with Apostle Hecht. He always looked ornery, or like he knew something funny that we didn’t know. Turns out he was probably cracking up over Bloopers, which I’ve been sworn to secrecy about the viewing of them!
Cherish your memories, dear ones, and look forward to being re-united.