Donald Robert Heinzen

Donald Robert Heinzen, well-loved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at his home in Spokane Valley, Washington, on Thursday October 17, 2024 at the age of 90. He was born in Minot, North Dakota, on August 31, 1934, to Frank and Kathryn Heinzen. 

He was the seventh child of seven children and is preceded in death by his parents and beloved siblings, Marie Sullivan, Ray, Howard, twins Jack and Paul, Richard and brother-like cousin, Jerry Yonke. He is also preceded in death by granddaughter, Orchid.

His young years were spent in Everett, Washington, with his parents and brother Richard while his older brothers fought in WWII in the Pacific Theatre. These years left an everlasting impression on him particularly after losing his brother Jack to a Japanese sniper bullet. It is truly the end of an era. We shall not look upon his like again.

He graduated from Everett High in 1952 and promptly entered the Air Force. After his years in the Air Force, he attended Everett Community College and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Washington where he met the love of his life, Patricia Collins at the Newman Center. Together they were 64-year ardent Husky fans, marrying after graduation in 1960 at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise, Idaho. 

He raised nine children while employed as a professional electrical engineer at Boeing in Everett, Washington Water Power (now Avista), Inland Power and Light, both in Spokane, and finishing out his career in Sundance, Wyoming, at Powder River Energy. He was always proud of his education and career in power and energy, especially being the first to graduate from college in his family.

Don's interests revolved around handball, racquetball, hunting, horsemanship, camping, exploring the wilderness, Bloomsday and marathon running and marksmanship. All skills, interests and lessons he passed to his children and grandchildren in some form or another. 

He spent his retirement years until nearly 90 on his Bandon, Oregon, property. He loved everything about the sea, its beauty and its many offerings of seafood – except for fishing and boats. He loved logging on his Bandon property, campfires and an evening drink reminiscing about former hunting trips and hunting companions, particularly if it involved bagging yet another elk. 

Don loved his Catholic faith and was a faithful follower of Christ. He loved his large family including his 36 nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of 64 years; his children, Christine Levernier (Joe), Frank, Veronica Hastings (Shane), Lori Butler (Scott), Eric, Mary Wilson (Brian), Pete (Lorene), Ruth McKinnie (Sean) and John. He is survived by 26 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. 

Mass of Christian burial was on Monday, October 28 at Mary Queen Parish with luncheon immediately following per his wish of a large gathering of family and friends to finish the era "like in the old days!" Committal and burial were at the Veteran's Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington, with Military Honors on Tuesday, October 29.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the new Orchard Prairie School. To leave condolences for the family, visit http://www.hennesseyvalley.com.