Ahleen M. Heynen

Mar 29, 1918 -

Jul 9, 2020

Ahleen M. (Dekker) Heynen passed away in Anchorage, on July 9, 2020. In her 102 years, she lived two full and productive lives.

Born in Chicago, Ill., in 1918, she grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., graduated from Calvin College and married Bill Heynen, a seminarian. Even though she was well on her way to becoming an opera singer, she became a "Preacher's Wife" instead, serving churches in Arcadia, Calif., and Paterson, N.J. In 1953, Ahleen and Bill moved their family to Anchorage via the Alaska Steamship S.S. Alaska and founded Trinity Christian Reformed Church. She played the organ, directed the choir, taught Sunday school and ran a hospitality center for members of the armed forces. Ahleen also continued her singing: in church, with the Anchorage Community Chorus; as featured soloist with the Anchorage Symphony; and twice sang the role of "Mother" in the opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors." She taught voice lessons in the living room of the church parsonage to many of Anchorage's talented singers. In 1971, she and Bill left Alaska and moved to a large church in Grand Rapids. A few years later, Ahleen found herself single after a painful divorce.

Thus, she started her second life, moving back to Anchorage in 1978, where she could once again be active in the church she loved. She rented a small house, set up her studio and began teaching voice and piano lessons. She was actively involved in the Anchorage Keyboard Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. When money was tight, Ahleen worked as a school crossing guard. She lived frugally but was able to travel with friends, spend time at the family cabin on Bonnie Lake, enjoy time with her family and volunteer at her church, Airport Heights Elementary, The Pioneer Home and the Anchorage Senior Center. When she retired from teaching, she moved to Chester Park Cooperative, and at the age of 79, took up painting. She soon was winning blue ribbons for her artwork at the state fair and the Senior Center. Ahleen was an avid Scrabble player, and her mind was sharp nearly to the end.

She will be missed by her family, her many friends and her church community.

Ahleen is survived by her daughter, Mary Mellema (Joel) of Pasadena, Calif.; son, Dan Heynen (Gwen) of Vancouver, Wash.; and son, Dave Heynen (Nancy) of Anchorage. She has five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Trinity Christian Reformed Church.