Charles Lamar Heimbigner

Charles Lamar Heimbigner was born on July 7, 1931 in Puyallup Washington to Sam and Marie Heimbigner. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism when he was a young child, and affirmed his baptism at his Confirmation on June 3, 1945, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Puyallup. He attended the Puyallup public schools and graduated from the Puyallup High School in 1949.

Following his graduation, he went to Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU) for 2 years and worked odd jobs until he was drafted by the Army. He served in Korea and Japan, where he worked in air defense and artillery. He was a Missile Engineer and Aviation Engineer, and was involved in airfield construction and maintenance as well as in transportation, watercraft, and port operations. Upon leaving the military, he attended the University of Washington, College of Forestry and graduated in 1960. He was hired by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as a forester for 37 years. His primary duties involved Timber Sales Programs and Forest Fire Suppression.

He married Marlene Hanggi on May 22, 1971. Their family doubled in size when they adopted their daughter Sandy, and son Jeff in 1973. It was to be a big year, as they moved from Ellensburg to Olympia later that year as well.

Chuck and his family were active members of The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd, joining on October 28, 1973 after transferring from First Lutheran Church in Ellensburg. Chuck was actively involved in many church activities – namely Sunday School Teacher, Board of Elders, Ushers, Sages, The Dawn Fehring Love of God Award Committee, and with the After School Tutoring Program as a van driver.

Chuck was actively involved in the community as well. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and at Mother Joseph’s Care Center. He was the treasurer in the Tumwater Kiwanis, and a member of the Citizen Advisory Group of East Olympia.

Chuck was pre-deceased by his only brother, Joel Heimbigner on December 25, 2002, and by his wife, Marlene on January 15, 2007.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Sandy Helton, his son Jeffrey and his wife Priscilla Heimbigner, and by 2 grandchildren, Jason Wold and Megan Heimbigner. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Peggy Heimbigner.

God chose to take Chuck to his eternal home on Sunday, February 15, 2015. Chuck left us peacefully, surrounded by his daughter Sandy, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Priscilla and a close friend.

Blessed be the memory of our beloved father and friend Charles Lamar Heimbigner, known to us as ‘Dad’ and ‘Chuck’.

Memorial gifts should be given to The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd or your favorite charity.