Obituary of Donald E. Heiser

Mr. Donald Elmer Heiser, 91, of Clinton Road, Canajoharie, New York died Monday, January 7, 2013 at St. Mary's Healthcare of Amsterdam following a short illness. Born on May 21, 1921 in Canajoharie, NY, he was the son of Elmer Heiser and Caroline Appell Heiser. He attended Round Top School on Seebers Lane and was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Heiser was a forklift operator for Beech-Nut in Canajoharie for many years. He had also worked for Arkell Bag and Sack Factory in Canajoharie. Mr. Heiser was a Veteran of the US Army Air Corp. serving during World War II with Company "B" 846th Engineer Battalion obtaining the rank of Private First Class. He was a member of the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275 and served as Honor Guard for many years. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors. On September 28, 1946 at the Catholic Rectory in Canajoharie, NY Donald was married to Petronella M. Palmen. They met in Holland while he was serving in the Army Air Corp. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2008. He is also predeceased by his siblings, Clinton, Leland and Catherine. Mr. Heiser is survived by his daughter, Odilia and son-in-law, Helmut Deeg of Schenectady, NY; 5 grandchildren, Christopher (Jackie) Deeg, Petra (David) O'Clair, Marisa Walter, Sarah (Brian) Demers, Laura (Scott) Belcastro; 6 great-granddaughters, Marra, Emily, Hannah, Isabella, Jenna, Natalie; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to Kathy, Robin, Carol and the rest of the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and St. Mary's Hospital for all their kindness and help. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 10:00-11:00am at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery in the Spring with full Military Honors by the US Army and the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275 Memorial Squad. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Donald E. Heiser may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.