Delbert Heistand

Our beloved husband and dad passed away at his home surrounded by family. Delbert was born December 8, 1933, in Oklahoma to Ephraim and Lillie Heistand. He was the third child of four, two older sisters and a younger brother. His mother passed away when he was 3.5 years old, giving birth to his younger brother. 2 years later, his younger brother passed away due to an illness. Delbert moved to Oregon with his dad and sister, later, moving to Washington. Delbert was a very hard-working man, working most of his life in wrecking yards. In 1951, he married Elzada starting his family of seven children. In 1973, he moved to Ellensburg and bought his business, A & A Auto Wreckers, fulfilling his dream. Not long after, he would meet his wife, Carey and adding seven more children to the clan. Delbert enjoyed taking the family for a drive in the hills, riding snowmobiles and motorbikes and trips to Oklahoma for family reunions. In the early 1990's, he retired from the wrecking yard, taking some time to travel finding he wasn't quite ready for retirement, he took on a part time job driving container trucks. In the late 1990's, he moved to Wenatchee to start his retirement and help his wife raise a granddaughter and later, a great-granddaughter. In his last years, he enjoyed sitting in his recliner, eating cookies, drinking coffee and watching the news and Family Feud. He also enjoyed his new great, great-grandson. Last year, he took one last trip to Oklahoma. What a joy that was for him. Delbert is survived by his wife, Carey of 48 years, his children: Kurt (Sharon) Heistand, Sherry (Wayne) Woodruff, Debra Herrick, Cindy (Scott) Gardner, Kellie (Guadalupe) Hernandez, Randy Heistand, Jodi (Gary) Bower, Kathy (Lee) Horsley, Lloyd Sherman, Bret (Kassie) Sherman, Chet Sherman, and Kimberley Schneider; 37 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild. Sisters, Doris Dalton and Velma Utton. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim and Lillie; stepmother, Nellie; brother, Jimmy Dale; sons, Rick and Jim; great-granddaughter, Brianna. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charities - St. Jude, Christian Worship Hour (Pastor Harold Salem) or Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 8, 1:00pm at the picnic shelter in Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park (near the tennis courts). Please bring a dish of his favorite foods.

Delbert Heistand

December 8, 1933 - September 16, 2022