William “Mike” Michael Heinz, 68, Carthage, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at his home after a fight with cancer. Mike was born Feb. 2, 1945, in Gas, to the late Elton and Mary Heinz.
Soon after graduating from Iola High School in 1963, Mike moved to Alaska in search of work. While there, he found and married the love of his life, Gina. That same year Mike was invited to play football for Parsons Junior College under a full-tuition scholarship. He moved Gina to Kansas and went on to earn all conference honors in football, and received a degree in marine biology. Mike worked for Schreiber Foods in Carthage for 40 years, retiring in 2011. He was an avid hunter, angler, and enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas Jayhawks basketball.
Mike was loved and respected by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Gina Heinz; sons Steve Heinz, Dean Heinz (Debbie), Paul Heinz and Gene Harris; his grandchildren Kris Heinz, Cory Heinz, Abby Heinz, and Alan Jones; five great-grandchildren Jordan, Kenzee, Kobe, Charlee, and Cannon; one brother, Fred Heinz (Pat); one sister, Janet Heinz; and nephews Fred Heinz and Mark Heinz.
The Heinz family is grateful for the numerous family members and friends who gave continued support and genuine caring during this difficult time. We love you all.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the Ulmer Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Curtis cemetery, Carthage.
Contributions can be made to the NRA in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Mike Heinz
