Albert Joseph Heier

For any and all that had the privilege of knowing him, Al was an unbelievably kind, compassionate, humorous, and wise man. He had many passions, including golf, gardening, history, and debate – but no passion greater than to strive each and every day to make this world a better place for those less fortunate. To his family and friends, he was the consummate cheerleader, their rock, and a role model like no other. His laugh and infectious optimism remain in our hearts and minds.

Al was born in Grainfield, KS to Magdalena and Pete Heier on October 29th, 1932. His early education occurred in a one-room rural schoolhouse. He then went on to attend Conception Abbey Seminary High School in Missouri, and continued his education there, graduating with both an undergraduate and Masters in Divinity, and was ordained as a diocesan Catholic priest in 1958.

After initially serving as an associate pastor at various parishes in the western Kansas area, he served six years as the secretary to the Bishop of Salina, while also serving as pastor of the Sacred Heart Church in Niles, KS. In l965 he was named director of Religious Education for the Salina Diocese and pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church in Minneapolis, KS.

In 1971, he felt that he was called to a different path, and embarked on a quest to discover a new life in Washington, DC. He began a career as a public affairs officer at the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency, where he stayed until his retirement in 1998. Shortly after arriving in DC, he met and married Renee A. Duerr, the love of his life, on June 10th, 1972. They established their new home in the Bren Mar neighborhood in Alexandria, VA, and welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, shortly thereafter. Al and Renee lived there until 2003, at which time they moved to the Falls Run Community in Fredericksburg, VA, where they lived until 2018. At the encouragement of their daughter, they moved back 'north', settling at Greensprings Senior Living Community in Springfield, VA.

Al was one of eight children, and is preceded in death by his four brothers, Valentine, Christopher, Frank, and Elmer Heier.

Al is survived by his adoring wife Renée, his daughter, Elizabeth Hopewell, her husband Peter, and their children, Jack and Erin. He is also survived by his three sisters, Rosina Kovar of Denver, CO, Bernita Taylor of Ashburn, VA, and Verlene Feldt of Hoxie, KS, as well as hundreds of nieces, nephews, and other in-laws.

A virtual visitation and brief service will occur from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, January 11th, where the immediate family will be present. A private burial will occur on the following day.

We trust that you all understand our rationale for making his visitation and burial a small, private affair, due to our concerns for everyone's health amidst the ongoing pandemic. A more traditional memorial service will be planned in the spring, when we are hoping that it will be safer to gather in person to celebrate Al. Details of this will be forwarded well in advance to all of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be given to the organization So Others Might Eat (SOME), at 71 O Street NW; Washington DC 20001, or may be contributed by phone at 202-797-8806. The family would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Capital Caring Hospice, for their compassionate care in his final days.