Willard "Bill" Hiebert

Longtime Alaska resident Willard Hiebert, a.k.a. Bill, 78, passed away Dec. 31, 2015, in Wasilla, Alaska.

Bill was born Dec. 8, 1937, in Dallas, Oregon, to Jakob and Anna Hiebert. He graduated from Lynden High School in 1956. In 1963, Bill was an employee of Alaska Packers in Blaine, Washington, when an opportunity to work on diesel boat motors in Alaska arose, and he eagerly seized the opportunity.

As a member of the Operating Engineers Local 302 from 1969-1988, he worked on construction projects throughout Alaska, as roads, airstrips and the Alaska pipeline were built. He loved working in Alaska, and camp life agreed with him. He loved the incredible food, especially the large servings of ice cream. He owned three logging trucks in Washington during the 1970s and was especially fond of Kenworth.

Bill retired from the Operating Engineers in 1989. For two years, Bill had the opportunity to sell heavy equipment and parts in Russia. He also owned and operated the Alaska Breakfast Club for several years in Anchorage.

Bill loved fishing, hunting and traveling to Uganda. He served as the vice president on the board of directors from 2002-2015 for Sammy’s Children Center International, now named Alaskans Mission Ministry International. Much of his time was spent at New Hope Uganda, at the orphanage, working and teaching the children. He also traveled to China, Belize, Europe, the Emirates and Australia.

Bill was a member of the Settlers Bay Community Church.

Bill was outgoing and fully enjoyed visiting with people, sharing stories, and talking about Alaska. He was kind, generous, honest and brave. He filled his life with all the people he loved and all things he loved to do.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cheryl A. Hahn, of Edmonds, Washington, Lynnette (John) Kleckner, of Golden, Colorado, and Renee (Tom) Jones of Sun City, Florida; five grandchildren, Zac Hahn, Kaelie Hahn Merrill, Johnny Kleckner, Kael Kleckner, and Latham Kleckner; and two great-grandchildren, Zoey Hahn and Tommy Merrill. Bill is also survived by his two sisters and brother, Wilma (Art) Kroeker, Ann (Carl) Bothman, and Edwin (Lavanda) Hiebert.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Hiebert; and sister, Rosella Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be at Settlers Bay Community Church in Wasilla on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to New Hope Uganda at http://newhopeuganda.org/donate/