Alexander P. Heberlein

Obituary Alexander P. Heberlein Alexander Paul Heberlein, longtime resident of University Place, passed away peacefully in Tacoma after a brief battle with cancer. He was 77. Alex was born on May 16, 1932 in Vancouver, Washington, to Paul and Virginia Heberlein. He entered the United States Navy in 1950. He was a proud veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. He worked his way up the ranks with a spotless career and was able to see the world from the top to the bottom and many points in between. He was part of Operation "Deep Freeze" while stationed aboard the USS Burton Island which was one of his fondest memories. Alex fell in love with Else Kristensen of Clackamas, Oregon after meeting her at a Grange Hall dance. They married in 1957 and started a family at once. Else was a proud spouse for 52 years. She was always at his side ready with love and support. Alex retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 "Bos'n". He later worked for Zidell dismantling and the Masonic Retirement Center before retiring. But he never really retired. He was the founding member of "Hands On" in University Place and was voted the Volunteer of the Year for University Place in 2008. He was always ready to help as Volunteer Fire Fighter for University place for 10 years. He was always available for his grandchildren when their car broke down or something fixed. He was the first to step up and the last to go home and asked nothing in return. He was the Dad everyone wanted to have. He always had something going on which kept him busy through his retirement. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Virginia, sister, Alice Heberlein Monard, son Robert and grandson Christopher. He is survived by his wife Else of 52 years, Daughters Vivian Newport and Phyllis Homeyer and Son Alex Heberlein. Grandchildren: Matthew and Melanie Newport, Heidi, Anthony, Christopher and Mitchell Homeyer. Great Grandchildren: Gwendolyn and Ellania Tula Newport, who belongs to Matthew and his wife, Sarah. Alex was the member of the American Legion, VFW, Fleet Reserve, Military Officers Association, USS Neches A0-47, Associate Founding member of Operation Hands On. Fair winds and following seas Special thanks to the staff of the Manor Care for their excellent care and compassion. Special thanks also for the Doctors: Dr. Mark Brooks, Dr. Patrick Donely and Dr. Bradley Schmitz. Military Honors will be held at New Tacoma Cemetery.