Karl Heiker

Karl Heiker, 82, died May 23 at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home, 250 E Fireweed Ave., in Palmer.

Mr. Heiker was born April 10, 1927 in Grusbach, Czechoslovakia. He worked for the American Occupation Forces after World War II and emigrated to the United States in 1951, settling in New Jersey where he worked building houses.

Fulfilling a dream he had about Alaska, he moved to Cold Bay in 1966 where he met and married his wife, Sue, in 1978. While in Cold Bay he worked first for Flying Tiger Line and then the Federal Aviation Administration. He proudly ended his working career as a well-respected magistrate for the Alaska Court System, a position he held for 13 years. After retiring in 1985, Mr. Heiker and his wife visited Vienna, Austria and settled in Salem, Ore. Missing Alaska, they returned in 1986 to the Palmer-Wasilla area where they spent the remainder of their years.

His family remembers his pride in becoming an American citizen. Mr. Heiker was a life member of the National Rifle Association who enjoyed shooting all types of firearms as well as working on them and reloading all his own ammunition.

He was also a consummate Scrabble player who beat almost everyone he played. He will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit.

Mr. Heiker is survived by son F. Robert Heiker of Wuppertal, Germany, son and daughter-in-law Erik and Debby Heiker of Wasilla, son Gary Heiker of Juneau, daughter Kyra Kristina Heiker of Weil der Stadt, Germany, step-daughter and step-son-in-law Kathleen and Robert Christensen of Wasilla, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Heiker was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Minnie Susan “Sue” Heiker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home Memorial Fund, the National Rifle Association or Ducks Unlimited.

Arrangements are with Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.