Donald Heinzman

Jesus wanted a special gift for his birthday this year when he called a wonderful husband, father, papa and G-Pa home!  Donald Franklin Heinzman (94) passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children.  Dad was born in Kansas City, Missouri on August 20, 1926 to Cecil and Leta (Need) Heinzman and grew up in Independence, Missouri.  Through his middle and high school years he cherished summers with extended family living the country life in Atlanta, Kansas and working the farm with his cousins in Springfield, Missouri.  Dad kept in contact with many classmates from Northeast High School over the years and our parents went on many class reunion cruises.  Dad was a member of the Navy Air for which he proudly wore his WWII veteran hat most every day.  He graduated from Rockhurst College and began his career as an accountant then moved into sales retiring from Insurance Mart.

Dad married the love of his life, Alice Ziegler, on October 11, 1949 and they were blessed with 7 children: Donna (Donald) Marrs, Dennis (Carla) Heinzman, David (Jo) Heinzman, Diane (Joseph) Majerle, Debbie (Bryan) Johnson, Denise Wilson and Douglas Heinzman (deceased).  They were further blessed with 11 grandchildren: Peter Howey, Daniel, Jeffrey, Christopher and Michael Heinzman, Robin (Bradley) Halsey, Emily (Kevin) Trader, Alida and Corey Johnson and Hannah and Haley Wilson, along with 5 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Charlotte and Harrison Halsey and Rose and Evelyn Trader.  They raised their children in Westwood, Kansas walking distance to both grade school, high school and church.  Don and Alice were members of St. Agnes Catholic Church for over 40 years.  In 1993 they became members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church when they moved to a farmhouse in Edwardsville, Kansas where dad could watch over cows, help bale hayfields and enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets and country scenery while still being close to his family.  Dad’s faith and his family brought him his greatest joy!  He was a pillar of strength for his family.  He provided security and support for us and nothing brought him more pleasure than spending time with his family especially “his favorite,” as his kids would jokingly call themselves.  They raised a close-knit family that shares great relationships with one another and celebrates all occasions together.  Dad loved being involved in our activities:  he coached sports teams, was a scout leader, helped build soap box derby cars for racing and he always made time to attend any of his kids or grandkids events.

Dad was an avid tennis player, playing 3 to 4 times a week well into his 80s.  He enjoyed traveling in his trailer and relaxing on his porch in the country. Don and Alice were Texas snowbirds and spent 20 plus years wintering on South Padre Island.  Since they could not miss Christmas with the family they would leave shortly after Christmas each year and return home in time for Mother's Day.  The family has wonderful memories of camping trips and family vacations to the Ozarks, Colorado Springs, YMCA of the Rockies and South Padre Island.

Don will be dearly missed by his wife of 71 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends.  Don was a wonderful, faithful and loving husband and a strong, adoring father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was deeply loved and his memory will live forever in our hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James Heinzman, and his son.

The funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., with a rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial at Mount Olivet.  Due to COVID-19 space in the church will be limited, masks and social distancing required.  Mass will also be live streamed for family and friends at www.stjoeshawnee.org.

To watch a video tribute of Donald chick here:  https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/BK6YH3NRYDTSTJ89

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Sister Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66102.