John Heinen

John S. Heinen, age 99 of Spring Hill, died Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 2 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill with Rev. Tom Becker officiating and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Military Honors were provided by the Lake Henry American Legion Post 612.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Lake Henry American Legion prayer service at 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

John Stephen Heinen was born February 3, 1911 in Spring Hill Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Mary (Wander) Heinen. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. He was united in marriage to Esther Winter on October 11, 1943 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. John farmed in Spring Hill Township his entire life until his retirement in 1975. After retirement, John built a home close to church where he helped with maintenance and lawn care.He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill, St. Michael's Men's Society, St. Michael's Catholic Aid, Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050, and was a charter member, chaplain, and former commander of the Lake Henry American Legion Post 612 where he was a member for over 60 years. He also served on the Paynesville Farmers Union Co-op board for many years. John enjoyed traveling, gardening, mowing lawns, and helping at the church.

Survivors include children, Jim (Patty) Heinen of Chicago, Illinois, Ralph (Ginny) Heinen of Camas, Washington, Mary Jane (Charles Jackson) Heinen of Minneapolis, Allen (Dorie) Heinen of Champlin, Ron (Karen) Heinen of Melrose, Vern (Cindy) Heinen of Harvard, Illinois, Mark (Chris) Heinen of Sammamish, Washington, and John (Barb) Heinen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 19 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Norbert Heinen of California.

John was preceded in death by wife, Esther Heinen on August 24, 2006; parents; brothers, Al Heinen, Martin Heinen, Joseph Heinen, Leo Heinen, and Michael Heinen; and sisters, Alma Maus, Alvina Latusky, and Magdalen Dingmann.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jeff Heinen, Erik Heinen, Steve Heinen, Jason Heinen, Adam Heinen, Joe Heinen, Rob DuRay, and Dan DuRay. Cross bearer will be Kim (Heinen) Fuechtmann and scripture bearer will be Carrie Heinen. Gift bearers will be Rebecca (Heinen) LaChappelle, John "Matt" Heinen, and Cora Heinen. Readers will be Virginia "Ginny" Heinen and Jessica (Heinen) Gray.