Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Alberta for funeral details
Obituary For John Louis Heiken
May 12, 1929 – November 16, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Louis Heiken at Mackenzie Place, Grande Prairie, Alberta, on November 16, 2024, at the age of 95. John leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and countless cherished memories.
John was born on May 12, 1929, in smith, Alberta, to Louis and Christy Heiken. He and his brother Donald grew up on the family farm in the LaGlace/Bear Creek area. John developed a love for repairing all things mechanical at a young age and became the local “fix-anything” guy, often helping others. These skills prepared him to continue working on the family farm for over 60 years as a tireless provider.
On November 22, 1951, John married Shirley Rix, and together they proudly raised six children: Carole (1952–1983), Richard (1955–1998), Maureen, Christy, Susan, and Sandra.
John enjoyed camping and fishing trips in the summer, curling, and spending time at the arena in the winter. The farm was often filled with the joy of grandchildren. John loved to tease them and share his famous “gush-gushes” with unsuspecting grandchildren.
John and Shirley enjoyed socializing and dancing, and their home was a gathering place for neighbors with the coffee pot always on. In his retirement years, John spent time in his shop refurbishing vintage cars, attending the Legion, and taking his motorhome to many country music jamborees and his favorite fishing hole. He and Shirley also traveled extensively.
John is predeceased by his brother Donald; his daughter Carole; his son Richard; and his grandson Lukas Martin Heiken.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; four children: Maureen (Dan Pearcy) and their children Riley (Krysta) and Mallory (Patrick Ritchie); Christy (Bill Sommerfeld) and their children Marissa (Kurtis Neigel) and Colton; Susan (John Cabral) and their children Jacqueline, Steven, and Catherine (Mitchel Stordy); and Sandra (Robert Schroeder) and their children Jennifer, Stuart (Quincey), and Mathew. He is also survived by his son-in-law, David Trydal (Tannis), and their children Erin (Doug Gallup), Christopher (Jennifer), and Jordan (Elaine); daughter-in-law Kathleen Heiken and her children Leslie (Tanner Stark) and Donavan. John is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members.
A celebration of John’s life will take place in May 2025.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca
12/05/1929 16/11/2024
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
death notice John Louis Heiken 12/05/1929 16/11/2024
obituaries notice John Louis Heiken 12/05/1929 16/11/2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Louis Heiken 12/05/1929 16/11/2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.