In loving memory of

Donald J Heinzen
October 13, 1928 - May 22, 2018

Donald Heinzen, of Antigo, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Rennes Health & Rehabilitation in Weston. He was 89 years old. He was born on October 13, 1928, in Phlox, a son of Joseph and Colletta (Menting) Heinzen. He married Audrey Leiskau on September 27, 1958, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. She preceded him in death on December 29, 2015.

He graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in Phlox and Mattoon High school with the class of 1946.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

A master plumber, he owned and operated Heinzen Plumbing and Heating for 44 years, retiring in 2000.

Don was involved with the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Green Bay, World Mission Services supplying water systems to third world countries. He also believed in supporting his community and aided in the development of the Heinzen Pavilion in Antigo.

He was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox, Past Commander and Finance Officer of the Devine-Menting American Legion Post #525, Phlox, the Msgr. Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002, Antigo. He was Past President of the Langlade County 4-H Leaders Association, Coached Little League baseball in Phlox for 12 years, enjoyed fishing, hunting, four wheeling and planting evergreen and hardwood trees.

Survivors include five daughters, Beth Heinzen, Howard, Doris (Jeff) Waldvogel, New London, Carla (Garth) Gerstenberger, Tomahawk, Lori (Joe) Bansemer, Waterford, Krina (Randy) Fenske, Eau Claire; two Sons, Kenneth (Linda) Heinzen, Schofield, Thomas (Nikki) Heinzen, Antigo; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Kuhr, Phlox; a brother, Benedict (Ellen) Heinzen, Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Audrey Heinzen, Deerbrook, Juanita Heinzen, Washington.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by four sisters, Joyce (Claude) Gauthier, Delores (George) Krall, Jeannette (Ed) Sippl, Marie (Larry) Mendl; three brothers, Gerald (Margarette) Heinzen, Richard and Clinton Heinzen; a brother-in-law, George Kuhr.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 26, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery where the Devine-Menting American Legion Post will conduct military honors.

Visitation will be 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

A parish wake service led by Deacon Tony DeBroux, will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

Tributes

Naomi wrote on Jun 25, 2018:

"You have my deepest condolences for your loss of Donald. He seemed to lead an active and supportive life, helping in his community whenever and wherever he could. Death always comes to soon . However our loving heavenly father Jehovah has promised to reunite us with our lost loved ones as promised in the Bible book of Revelation in chapter 21 and verses 3,4. These verses may bring you much comfort. "

Steve and Donna Wagner wrote on May 30, 2018:

"Donna and I wish to send our sincerest condolences to the Heinzen family on Don's passing. Don and Audrey were good friends of ours and they were such enjoyable travel companions on our numerous trips to Europe. We had so much fun and the laughs were plenty. Both Don and Audrey will be sadly missed. We will certainly keep the Heinzen family in our prayers."

Cindy St Aubin wrote on May 24, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your father was such a blessing for clean water projects in third world countries. I received pictures this week of the completion of his last project, and planned to bring them when I visited. It was a blessing (and the work of the Holy Spirit) when I spoke with Doris a week ago. I enjoyed my phone calls with your dad so much. He was such a spit-fire and I loved his sense of humor, and enjoyed his stories Please know I will remember your mother and father and their generosity and passion to help others. My deepest sympathy, and I hope your wonderful memories bring you comfort. You will be remembered in my prayers. Cindy St. Aubin, World Mission Director, Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay"

Gale and Reicia Heinzen wrote on May 24, 2018:

"We certainly loved sweet Uncle Donald. We have special memories spending time with him and Aunt Audrey. Sending you our love and prayers for comfort. Gale and Tricia"

Sonja & " Mitch" Mitchell wrote on May 24, 2018:

"" Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams, when the winter comes keep the fire lit and I will be right next to you. "...Warren Zevon Love & Peace God bless Sonja & Mitch"

Curtis Heinzen wrote on May 24, 2018:

"To all my cousins, I am sorry for your lost. We will all miss him dearly. I know he is in a better place, with his other siblings and your mom. They are all watching over us. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Curtis Heinzen "

Michelle M. Coe wrote on May 23, 2018:

"I'm so very sorry for your loss. Don was such a good, kind man. I loved trick-or-treating at his and Audrey's house every year. Peace be with you all and God bless you."

Nick and Jeanette Salm wrote on May 23, 2018:

"Jeanette and I are out of town and just found out about Don?s Passing. We send our condolences to your family as you celebrate Don?s Life. He not only left a legacy of family, but also left a community legacy that will outlive all of us. His spirit lives with all of us who make Langlade County our home. Don has hopefully set a bar for all of us to build on his legacy. Nick and Jeanette Salm"