David Gardner Heiner

Our sweet dad, David Gardner Heiner, 78, returned peacefully to his Father in Heaven on October 23, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most.

Dad was born in Afton, Wyoming, on the luckiest Friday the 13th, June 13, 1947 to Lloyd and Marva Lu Heiner. He grew up in Bedford, Wyoming on a dairy farm, where hard work and family shaped who he was. He often talked about milking cows before and after school in every kind of weather. Life on the farm taught him discipline, gratitude, and the importance of family.

After high school, Dad served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. Shortly after returning home, he met the love of his life, our beautiful mom, Charlotte Staheli, at LDS Technical College. They quickly became best friends and stayed that way for the next 55 years. Even when Dad was drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, their love never wavered. He served bravely from 1969 to 1970, earning numerous medals and honors, including two Bronze Stars.

When he returned, Mom and Dad were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple on June 6, 1970. Together they began a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They moved to Kansas while Dad completed his active duty, and later settled in Arizona, where they raised their family. Dad ran his own dental lab for many years before retiring to drive a school bus for Mesa Public Schools where he was affectionately known as “Sarge.” He took pride in every job he ever had, but his greatest pride was always his family.

Dad often said, “The only thing you take with you to the next life are the memories and relationships you make here on Earth.” He lived by that. Our family was blessed to travel the world together, making memories that will last forever. One of the most special trips was returning to Vietnam in 2018, just before Dad was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia — a result of Agent Orange exposure during the war.

Through it all, Mom was his angel on Earth. Her devotion and love carried him through every challenge with grace and tenderness. Their marriage was more than love — it was true friendship, laughter, and an unshakable bond that inspired everyone who knew them.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marva Lu Heiner. He is survived by our angel mom, Char, his eternal sweetheart and best friend; and by their four children — Mitzi (Clark), Alicia (Sal), Cameron (Marlie), and Colby (Brooke). He was known lovingly as Papa and Pops to 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, who adored him.

We are deeply grateful to Stillwater Hospice, especially Jason, Erin, Christophe, Samantha, and Kaitlyn, for their compassionate care and kindness during Dad’s final weeks.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please honor him by spending time making memories with those you love most. The money will come back — the time won’t.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.