Kenneth "Ken" G. Heller

October 11, 1932 - March 27, 2015

Kenneth G. Heller, Hegins, 82, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon at Schuylkill Medical Center South Jackson Street with family by his side. Born in Tremont on October 11, 1932, he was a son of Carl and Emma Mickolite Heller. He graduated from Tremont High School in 1951. He spent 17 years as a laborer in the local coal mines before moving on as a representative for Washington National Insurance in Pottsville. His career closed out in Milton, PA, where he was General Manager for The All-American Truck Stop. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict. While there, he joined the 40th Infantry Division Band, playing the baritone, and was thrilled to perform in front of Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe on the USO Tour. He was a recipient of the following medals: National Defense Service, Good Conduct, Korean Service, and United Nations Service. Ken enjoyed attending baseball games, hunting, and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and always welcomed a reason to gather with family. He will be remembered by all who knew him for endless supply of jokes, especially the early morning breakfast crew at Elsie's. He was a member of the VFW Post 8237 and the American Legion Post 575 both of Valley View. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Kim in 1973, a sister Dorothy, and a brother Robert. Ken is survived by wife Nancy, his caregiver through his affliction with Alzheimer's Disease. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June. Also surviving are a daughter Deborah, wife of James Stehr, Sacramento; son Kenneth C. and companion Tina Matalavage, Hegins; six grandchildren, Brett, Brendan, Slade, Brooke, Michelle, and Brittany; 12 great-grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 11 AM at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, Pa with Rev. William Danis officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Hegins, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 601 W. Main St, Hegins, PA 17938.