James Kenneth Bieker

James Kenneth Bieker, 84, passed away Jan. 24, 2014, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Memorial service in honor of James is at 11 a.m., Jan. 31 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 Bogard Rd., Wasilla. Father Andrew will officiate. His ashes will be placed at St. Joseph’s in Elma, Wash.

James was born Sept. 20, 1929, in Chehalis, Wash., to Thomas and Ruby (Handy) Bieker.

James graduated from St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Wash., with a bachelor’s degree. He later served his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Richardson from 1954-1956. James moved to and lived in Dillingham from 1960 to 1964 after his Honorable Discharge from the military.

James taught at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Aberdeen, Wash., from 1970 to 1988. He loved puzzles, rock hounding and exploring Alaska. He enjoyed being a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered with the Food Pantry and received at Certificate of Appreciation for his services.

The family wrote: “We would like to thank everyone who has been a part of his life here in Alaska. It has been his second home and you have been his family.”

James was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Marie Bieker; father, Thomas Bieker; mother, Ruby Bieker; and son, Steve Bieker.

Surviving are his sister, Rose Whaley of Olympia, Wash.; sister, Sister Barbara Bieker of Michigan; son, Tom Bieker of McCleary, Wash.; daughter, Christine Bieker of Spokane, Wash.; daughter, Maureen Bieker of Olympia, Wash.; son, Mike Bieker of Aberdeen, Wash.; son, Paul Bieker of McCleary, Wash.; foster son, Einar Henry of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren: Meaghan Stetzik, Olivia Bemet, Aaron Bieker, Trevor Bieker, Erin Brown, Donovan Bieker and Jillian Bieker.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.