Dennis Heller 66, of Sitka and formerly of Montpelier, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.
Dennis was born in Wauseon, Ohio, to George and Velma (Henry) Heller. After graduating high school in 1967, Dennis joined the United States Air Force and served in Spain and Libya during the Vietnam War.
After returning to the States, Dennis moved to Indiana and graduated from Tri-State University with a civil engineer degree. He worked at a few jobs, including the Midland Nuclear Plant in Michigan, before packing up all of his belongings and moving to Alaska – a dream he had had for many years.
He worked in Dillingham and Adak before settling in Sitka in 1989. For the next 24 years he worked for SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital as Deputy Director of Facility Services, retiring in 2013.
Dennis was a kind person, a gentleman and a gentle man. He loved to fish, camp, hunt, hike, boat and watch the Ohio State Buckeyes win. He was a member of the Sitka Elks Lodge and American Legion Post No. 13 Sitka.
Dennis is survived by his son David (Kristi) Heller, and grandsons Tyler and Connor Heller of Spanish Fort, Alabama; his twin sister Janice (Jim) Thompson of Montpelier; best friend and caregiver Julie White; and many loyal and caring friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn Davis, and two brothers-in-law.
A military gravesite memorial service will be held at the Sitka National Cemetery in January.
“In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug your loved one, or walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day. Time waits for no one. Cherish every day,” his family wrote.
Stories about Dennis and condolences for his family can be sent to heller907@yahoo.com.
