Dennis G. Heller 66, of Sitka, Alaska and formerly of Montpelier, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday December 23, 2015. Dennis was born February 5, 1949 in Wauseon, Ohio to George and Velma (Henry) Heller.
After graduating from Montpelier 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 Angola, Indiana where he graduated from Tri-State University (Trine) with a degree in civil engineering. He worked at a few jobs, one of which was Midland Nuclear Plant in Midland, Michigan, before packing up all of his belongings in 1985 and moving to Alaska; a dream he had had for many years. He worked in Dillingham and Adak before settling in Sitka, Alaska in 1989. For the next 25 years, Dennis worked at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital as the Deputy Director of Facility Services retiring in 2013. He was responsible and had instigated many improvements and renovations to the local hospital as well as all the clinics in Southwest Alaska that he oversaw.
Dennis was well liked and respected by his employees and co-workers. He was an honest and fair boss, “I’ve got your back kind of person.” He loved hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, boating and watching the Ohio State Buckeyes play. He was looking forward to watching the Ohio State/Notre Dame game with his sister and brother-in-law this year. Dennis was a member of the Sitka Elks Lodge and the American Legion Post No. 13 Sitka.
Dennis is survived by his son: David ( Kristi) Heller, grandsons: Tyler and Connor Heller of Spanish Fort Alabama; one sister: Janice (Jim) Thompson of Montpelier, Ohio; best friend and caretaker, Julie White of Sitka, Alaska, nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Marilyn Davis and two brothers-in-laws: Marvin Davis and David Van Mason.
A memorial service for Dennis will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier, Ohio. He will be interred at the Sitka National Cemetery in Sitka, Alaska.
Stories about Dennis and condolences for his family can be made online at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com. [showad block=2]