Obituary: Donald Heinitz

Donald Heinitz, 84, passed away in the angel wing at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, N.D., on September 14, 2020.

The graveside service was held Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the Carrington Cemetery. The service was officiated by Pastor Rick Loewen. Casket bearers were all of Don's family and friends. Honorary bearers were Don's grandchildren and his coffee crew. Military Honors were conducted by North Dakota National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

Donald was born on October 12, 1935, in Carrington, N.D., to Andrew and Charlotte Heinitz. Growing up he was a letter winner in basketball and football while in Carrington and he graduated in 1953 from Carrington High School. Don attended the University of North Dakota, studying business management and engineering. Don joined the National Guard in 1953 with an honorable discharge in 1961. Don was married to Leila Lura, and they had three children, Kim, Rod and Monica. They later divorced. He married Elaine Lee on June 2, 1976 in Carrington and gained three step children, Deb, Jim and Kevin. He started working for Frank Buzell at James River Electric as an apprentice electrician. Later on, he purchased the business and continued to own and operate the business until he retired in 2001.

Golf was his true passion, he won many tournaments over the years and took much pride after his retirement by putting in countless hours helping construct the new Crossroads Golf Club. After completion of the course, he mowed the greens daily for over 15 years, taking much pride in the shape of the course and how the greens looked. He was a great son, father and grandfather. Throughout the years, Don was a member of Kiwanis, board member of the Federated Church and Crossroads Golf Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Scott) Stafford of New Rockford, N.D.; son Rod Heinitz (Stacey Rzaszutak) of Carrington, N.D.; five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Charlotte Heinitz; his first wife, Leila (Lura) Heinitz, second wife Elaine (Burkhardt) Heinitz and his daughter Monica.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington, N.D.