Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Donald “Don” Heinitz
Donald Heinitz passed away in the angel wing at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND, on September 14, 2020, at the age of 84.
Donald Eugene Heinitz was born on October 12, 1935, in Carrington, ND, 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. That began his life long love and support of UND Fighting Sioux Athletics. He was a season ticket holder for basketball, football and hockey at the university for over 40 years.
Don joined the National Guard in 1953 with an honorable discharge in 1961. Don was married to Leila Lura, 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.
Throughout his life, he loved to fish, hunt and bowled in his younger years. 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.
Don was a loyal friend to many. He loved to tell jokes and would challenge anyone to discuss the rivalry between his UND Fighting Sioux and the Bison of NDSU. He loved to meet new people and could carry on conversations about any topic. 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, ND; son, Rod Heinitz (Stacey Rzaszutak) of Carrington, ND; five grandchildren, Shawn (Ashley) Stafford of Devils Lake, Shane Stafford of West Fargo, Rebecca Heinitz (Ade Damola) of St. Paul, MN, Nicole Heinitz of Bismarck, ND and Jacob Heinitz (Samantha Spiesz) of Moorhead, MN and two great grandchildren, Saige and Saidee Stafford.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Charlotte Heinitz; his first wife, Leila (Lura) Heinitz and second wife, Elaine (Burkhardt) Heinitz and his daughter, Monica Rae Heinitz.
Visitation will be Sunday, Noon -5:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.
Graveside Service will be held Monday, September 21, 2020, at 10:30AM at the Carrington Cemetery. (If you would like seating please bring a chair)
Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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Don was not only a good friend but my neighbor for many years. I always enjoyed talking to him as he sneaked in a ticket sale to our conversation. Such a friendly guy with a sense of humor. Gonna miss u Don! Sending hugs and prayers to the family!
Kim and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for all🙏
I will miss you my friend—your friendship, ready smile, and always helping—as a fellow golfer and golf course builder, opposing sports fan, coffee grouper, fellow traveler and as just a great person and friend. My thoughts and sympathy to you Rod and the rest of the family. jer
Many happy puts to you Don.
Thanks for the memories of you, Rod, Charlotte and I at the many golf scrambles we played in.
Kim and Rod, Our sincere sympathy and prayers for your family during this difficult time. God’s blessings to you all!!
Over the years I have had the pleasure of many morning coffees with Don and the crew. It was always fun and interesting. Don’s love of sports and his willingness to always debate sporting events, especially those with UND were always fun moments. Don was a great fellow and will be missed.
We will greatly miss Don. A true friend. Enjoyed our Visits at the Sioux Hockey games. Don Frye & Lorrie Pavlicek
My condolences to the Heinitz family. Don was such a presence in the community. Rod, please know I am sending thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Cheers to your dad for a life full of interests and commitments—full of life.
Dear Rod and Kim,
Oh how I miss my “pew partner”. Don always saved me a seat in the church that he loved so much! He was an encourager to everybody! Our memories of going to watch the hockey games in Grand Forks will be cherished always. He loved that so much! And sharing that experience with others brought him so much joy! He was a good friend.
I will forever be grateful for the time we spent together at LHGS. Our last time together was spent walking hand in hand to the chapel where I played my guitar and sang for him. He so loved churches and music. The stained glass windows caught his eyes and he sat there with peace and calmness taking in the beauty of God’s house. It was an honor and a privilege to have him with us.
My deepest sympathies go out to your families. Paula Loewen — LHGS, Pastoral Care
Don was a good neighbor. When we first moved in to the block we moved snow by hand. Many times he’d move the snow in front of the house. He still did it once in a while over the years. His great smile and friendly attitude always brightens up our day.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We knew he and Elaine through UND hockey. We would visit with them during intermissions. So sad. Our prayers to the family. Mavis Ness