08/07/2026
Vaughn Heiner passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Providence Alaska Medical Center, surrounded by love, family, and angels. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and physicians who provided sincere and thoughtful care for Vaughn in his final days.
Lyle Vaughn Heiner was born to Stevens and Aurilla (Merrill) Heiner on April 22, 1955, in Rupert, Idaho. He was the second of seven children in the Heiner family, and grew up in Heyburn, Idaho. Beginning in 1974, Vaughn served an honorable two-year mission in Montana for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After his mission, Vaughn attended BYU, where he met Geri Woodworth. The two were soon married in the Idaho Falls Temple.
In 1981, Vaughn and Geri adopted their first child, a baby boy they named Skyler Vaughn Heiner. The following year, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska for Vaughn's construction career. They adopted a baby girl in 1985 and named her Correen Marie Heiner. In 1988, the couple adopted a set of twin baby girls and named them Sariah Kaye and Savanah Sharon Heiner. Vaughn inspired imagination and instilled a love of reading in his children.
After a divorce in 1995, Vaughn met and married Mary (Ruple) Tollefsen in Anchorage in 1998. She has four living children: Krissy Tollefsen, Shawn (Cinderella) Tollefsen, Ryan (Bri) Tollefsen, and Travis (Tiffany) Tollefsen; and Joel, who died in infancy. Vaughn and Mary lovingly helped raise their granddaughter, Jennifer Tollefsen.
Vaughn had a successful career in commercial construction and was well known for his great skill and dedication to excellence. He was involved in many building projects around Anchorage and often pointed out the beautiful buildings he helped to create. He organized his garage immaculately to effectively utilize every square inch of space.
He served diligently in various church callings, and taught Gospel Doctrine as a beloved Sunday School teacher for many years. Vaughn was a master scriptorian and studied the words of prophets throughout his life. His wisdom blessed our lives.
As an avid reader with an exceptional memory, Vaughn's extensive knowledge of many subjects impressed all who knew him. Vaughn was also admired by many for the patience he showed in all aspects of his life. He was courageous in his fight against cancer and endured valiantly to the end.
Vaughn was preceded in death by his parents, Stevens and Aurilla Heiner; and his son, Skyler. He is survived by his siblings: Valerie (Les) Dixon, Kevin (Christine) Heiner, Bruce (Aleta) Heiner, Carol (Steve) Allred, Teresa (Tom) Worthington, and Heidi (Dan) Kline; his wife, Mary; his children, Correen (Andy) Smith, Sean (previously Sariah) Heiner, and Savanah (Alex) Benson; and his grandchildren, Jennifer Tollefsen, Emily, Eli, Cheyenne, Evelyn, and Lincoln Smith.
Vaughn's memorial service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 11701 Puma St, Anchorage. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute by visiting https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/71762/donate/1 and designating your gift to the Hematologic Center and selecting "Leukemia/Lymphoma" under "More Options". Your gift will help support ongoing lymphoma research.
Friends and family are also welcome to join via Zoom if not able to attend in person: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86087658778?pwd=uEbpfBL5xvI9aI0HUdRHe9lVGcrf8V.1
Meeting ID: 860 8765 8778
Passcode: 4346
https://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Lyle-Vaughn-Heiner?obId=49179370
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