William “Bill” O. Heinrich age 74 of Walnut Grove passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. and continue until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial is in Gales Township Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
William Heinrich was born August 24, 1939 in Avoca, Minnesota to Otto and Jennie (Duinkerken) Heinrich. On June 30, 1962 he married Shirley Flesner at Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Bill served his country in the Air Force, and later joined the Walnut Grove American Legion. He was very creative and resourceful, and enjoyed helping people with anything and everything. Bill loved being outdoors, gardening, making salsa, and having garage sales. He enjoyed playing games and cards with family and friends uptown; Pinochle and Buck Euchre being a couple of his favorites. Bill had an unforgettable smile; he was always smiling and fun-natured. His family was very important to him; he loved spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren, and great grandson.
Bill is survived by his wife Shirley of Walnut Grove; sons Todd of Walnut Grove and Rick (Angel) of Inver Grove Heights; grandchildren: Jennifer Heinrich, Jordan (Erin Vosberg) Heinrich, and Jennae Heinrich; and great grandson Keaton. He is also survived by his siblings: Dorothy Nelson, Adeline Johnson, Darlene Smith, Betty Sturm, Robert Heinrich, Donald (Randy) Heinrich, Frank (Lee) Heinrich, Greg (Melodie) Heinrich, and Roxie Heinrich; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Jenny and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jenny has shared many wonderful stories about her Grandpa over the years and of course the salsa that they made together was absolutely wonderful. We hope that all of these memories bring out many smiles and laughs (along with the tears) as you share them with each other and your friends. “Grandpa’s” life is one to be celebrated. We are thinking of you – take care and comfort in each other.
Craig & Angie
My sympathies to all of Bill’s family. I practically grew up at Bill’s house and have a lot of good memories of him. He was a good man, after my mistake of getting involved with Marge, he was the only one to forgive and continue to talk to me. He was a hard worker, enjoyed his hobbies and his truck, and was a good man. God bless his memory.
Dan Peterson