George Henry Heinze

George Henry Heinze, 97, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the River Ridge Retirement Community. He was born March 20, 1918 to Gustave and Emily (Schmidtke) Heinze in Chicago, Illinois. George married Mary Grugrich on December 20, 1975. George was a farmer and raised all kinds of vegetables and hogs.  He loved to dance, especially polkas.  He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.  Georges family wishes to thank all the staff at River Ridge for the wonderful care and love shown to him.  He too thought they were great!  Also, we want to thank South Haven’s Hospice-at-Home for their wonderful care.   

He is preceded in death along with his parents by four brothers – Otto, Herbert, Henry, and Ed Heinze. Also by two sisters – Dorothy and Anna Heinze.

He is survived by his wife of forty years – Mary Heinze,  step children – Michael (Linda) Stempiahar of Maryland, Maryann (Paul) Scully of  Bellville, Michigan, and Mark (Tonya) Stempiahar of Marcellus, Michigan, siblings – Mary Holtzman and Violet Luehring both of South Haven, and three grandchildren – Erika and Nicholas Scully and Noah Stempiahar.  Many nieces and nephews also survive including a special nephew, Mark Holtzman.

Private family services were held.  George was laid to rest next to his parents at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores. Contributions may be made in George’s memory to Hospice at Home, 05055 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090.