Joseph Phillip Heinz - obituary
Obituary
Object ID:
2018.94Description:
Joseph Phillip HeinzJoseph Heinz, 62, of
Mitchell, died Thursday,
May 04, 2017 at Avera
Queen of Peace Hospital in
Mitchell. Funeral services
will be 11:00 AM Monday,
May 8, at Mitchell Wesleyan
Church in Mitchell. Bittner
Funeral Chapel is in
charge of arrangements.
Joseph Heinz was a son
of the Prairie. He could
look at a storm ignoring the wind and appreciate the rain.
In his youth, he spent six months hitch-hiking from Jasper,
Alberta to Acapulco and Mexico City. Including a
short stint working on a Pacific Ocean salmon fishing
boat. Later he continued his traveles to China. Joe affected
everyone he met along the way.
For many years, he looked after the needs of his elderly
mother, setting aside his own.
Joe was a beloved member of his faith community at
Mitchell Wesleyan, as evidenced by the outpouring of
support and compassion toward him and his family. He
was also a long-time member of the Mitchell Gideons devoting
his time and energy where ever needed. Joe’s
faith in God has been a mainstay his whole life along with
his three daughters and five grandchildren.
Joe was born October 7th, 1954 to Virgil and Dorothy
Heinz, the youngest of five children.
Joe graduated from Hanson High School in Alexandria
and Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell.
Although Joe has been wheelchair-bound since a farm
accident in 1986, it did not stop him. In fact, he continued
to farm, had children, got a degree, and traveled, all after
the accident.
His courage and determination have been an inspirtion
to us all. Joe will be sadly missed by his mother
Dorothy of Alexandria, three daughters: Abby Heinz of
Cedar Rapids Iowa, Michaela Fiksdale (Billy) of Sioux
City, IA, and Haley Buck (Bryan) Cedar City, Utah and
his five grandchildren. As well as siblings Jim Heinz
(Lynn) of St. Louis, MO, John Heinz (Linda) of Alexandria,
SD, and Ann Connors (PJ) of Eden Valley, MN.
Along with countless nieces, nephews, friends and
acquaintances spanning the globe.
He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Heinz
and sister, Sue Ahrendt.