Gail Sylvia "Hecimovich" Nucech

Gail Syliva (Hecimovich) Nucech

July 18, 1947 May 21, 2026

Gail S. Nucech, 78, longtime resident of Hibbing died Thursday, May 21, 2026, at home in Hibbing, MN. She was born July 18, 1947, to George and Nora (Dahl) Hecimovich in Grand Rapids, MN. Gail was a graduate of Greenway High School class of 1965.

After two years at Itasca Junior College, Gail transferred to Bemidji State University to major in Physical Education with a minor in business and a coaching certificate. At Bemidji State Gail played volleyball, basketball, field hockey, and fast pitch softball. In 1969 accepted the physical education position at Hibbing High School. She then started the volleyball program, where she won a state title in 1975. In 1974, Gail started the girls' basketball program. In 1976, the team participated in the first state high school league tournament. In 1977, she started the softball program. She also coached girls track and was notably a college volleyball official.

The woman’s volleyball team won 2 state titles and the slow pitch softball team she was on, also won 2 state titles. Gail won a state title championship in sled dog racing in the 3-dog class as well.

Gail taught High School Physical Ed for 35 years and coached varsity volleyball for 44 years, girls’ basketball for 3 and softball for 5 years.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis of 50 years, daughter, Crystal (Kyle) Duesler, grandson, Logan Duesler, brother, Darrell (Lieschen) Hecimovich, sister-in-law, Helen Hecimovich and nephews, Jim and Mark Hecimovich.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Norman Hecimovich, and her nephew Brian.

Funeral services for Gail will be 3:00pm, Sunday, June 7, 2026, in the Lincoln Elementary School Gymnasium in Hibbing. The Rev. John Scheuer will officiate. Visitation will be from 1-3pm in the Gym prior to the 3pm service on Sunday. This will be a casual affair. Please wear HHS volleyball or other HHS attire. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing at a later date. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.