Gerald D. Heien, 82, a resident of Hurley, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, November 28, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born August 18, 1937 in Spencer, Iowa to Jacob and Catherine Hargrave Heien. Gerald grew up in Gillet Grove, Iowa where he participated in basketball, FHA, and Band. After he graduated from High school he and a family friend traveled to Bagdad, AZ where he met and married he loving and faithful wife of 62 years, Barbara Sue. There he obtained his private pilot’s license in which he enjoyed flying his family on his days off. Gerald worked as an automotive electrician for the Bagdad Copper Corporation until he moved his family to Nebraska. Gerald was a Millwright up until he retired.
In 1990, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as one of Jehovah’s witnesses, he enjoyed the privilege of preaching and teaching the Bible. He also volunteered to assist in building Kingdom Halls and assisting during circuit and district assemblies. He especially enjoyed meeting new people. Gerald’s favorite pastimes included working on electronics beginning with the old radios and very heavy tube TVs up to today’s technology. His favorite pastime would have to be music. He loved playing the steel guitar with his family and friends and the vacuum cleaner salesman, who was without a doubt the former steel man for Bob wills. He could play other instruments including the trombone, trumpet, guitar and accordion. In 2010 Gerald and Barbara moved to New Mexico to enjoy better weather and health.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara T. Heien of the family home; one son, Michael Heien and wife Trisha of Greenfield, IN; three daughters, Cindy Soucup and husband Gene of O’Neill, NE; Catherine Wilson of Hurley; Twila Hoferer and husband Colin of Lincoln, NE; fourteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Dave Heien and wife Margaret of Spencer, NE; Tom Heien and wife Donna of Squim, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Victoria Heien. No service will be held per his request. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.