Obituary of Jerry Heiken

Gerald “Jerry” Heiken passed away May 2, 2013 from cardiac arrest. He was 83. He was born October 10, 1929 in Stratton, Colorado to Fredrick and Elizabeth Heiken. Family moved to Colorado during the Great Dust Bowl, where he finished his education in Dietrich, Idaho. He married Mary Mae Root October 25, 1947 in Elk, Nevada. He started farming in Idaho, and then moved to Medford, OR. where he went to work for Fuller Brush as a salesman. He also did home construction for a while. He moved to Eugene in 1969 and he and his wife opened up a restaurant “North’s Chuck Wagon.” He owned and operated 10 restaurants during his career. He retired in 1979. He has resided in Creswell for 32 years.Gerald is survived by his wife Mary Heiken of Creswell OR; daughters Carol Williamson of Vancouver,WA; Judy Olson of Pleasant Hill, OR.; two sons Gaylen Heiken of Veneta, OR. and Terry Heiken of Springfield, OR. Also surviving is a daughter in law Alta Heiken; 14 grandchildren 32 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.Gerald enjoyed traveling all over the world. He enjoyed flying model airplanes. He rebuilt his Model A. If Gerald did not know how to do something, he would learn. He taught his children to work hard and love each other.A visitation will be held Friday May 17, 2013 from 9-2 at Musgrove’s in downtown Eugene. A private graveside service will occur. A Celebration of Life Potluck for family and friends will be Sunday May 19, 2013 at the Heiken home in Creswell, OR.