Donald F. Heller's Obituary
Don Heller, 91, passed away following a long fight with cancer, Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Columbia City, Oregon. He was surrounded by his family as he peacefully passed away with dignity and grace, and not one minute before he was ready.
Don was born June 22, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Frank and Irma Heller. He attended school in Dubuque and attended a military high school before joining the US Navy in July of 1944 at the age of 17, spending time in the South Pacific and Japan. He met his future bride, Tresa Lange, while on leave in Portland, Or. They married June 26, 1948 and made Dubuque, Iowa their first home. In 1951 the move was made to Scappoose, his lifelong home.
Don always worked and volunteered in the local community. Early on he had the Mobil station in Scappoose, drove an oil truck, and then landed at the grocery market, “Gibs”. Later the local stores merged to P & G Thriftway where Don was produce manager. Not to be bored following retirement, he continued with his love for cars and had many loyal customers at Jordan Motors in St. Helens, Oregon.
Don loved to ice skate, play ball, a pinochle fanatic, loved to dance, sell cars, shoot pool, was an avid golfer and loved to tell jokes. He loved traveling in the motor home and spent many weekends boating. He will always be remembered for his ability to tell stories, and he always had more than one! He loved chatting and laughing with friends.
Don was an active member of the community. He served as a volunteer fireman, city councilman, Commander of the American Legion, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Scappoose planning commission, Charter member St. Helens ELKS, Elk’s Hayrider Travel Club, Masonic Lodge, Al Kader Shrine, Past President of the Columbia County Shrine, and had enormous passion for the Scappoose Senior Center.
Don is survived by his wife of 70 years, Tresa M. (Lange) Heller; sons Jim Heller (Laurie Tennant) and Jon (Rondi) Heller; daughter Patti (Mike Hoag); Grandchildren Ryan Heller, Joseph Heller, Karolyn Freuler, Katelin Heller, Kevin Larson (Megan Muth-Larson), Jana (Larson) Dynes (Mychal Dynes), Brian Hoag (Summer) and Lesli (Hoag) Phetteplace (Colin). He was a proud Poppa to 14 Great Grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irma Heller of Scappoose, and sister, Dorothy Larson of Scappoose. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Legacy Hopewell House or hospice.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Legacy Hopewell House or hospice.
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