Family plans memorial service for missing hiker

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. — The family of a 19-year-old West Michigan man who never returned from a day hike in Glacier National Park has scheduled memorial services for the teen.

Jakson Kreiser was a seasonal worker at Lake McDonald Lodge who officials believe was trying to hike across treacherous terrain from Hidden Lake to Avalanche Lake on July 27.

MLive.com says Kreiser’s family wrote in his obituary that “... Jakson found heaven with an endless view of snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and cool glacial lakes.”

There was an intense search lasting for more than a week involving ground teams, canine teams and helicopters. Park officials recently scaled back the search after finding no new clues to indicate the teen’s whereabouts.

The family released a public statement thanking community members for their thoughts and prayers.

Memorial services will be 6:30 p.m. Friday at The Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.

The family has asked all donations be made to National Park Service, Emergency Services, SAR Donation, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936.