Ralph Wayne Heintz
June 08, 1946 - January 30, 2021
Obituary
LODI - Ralph Wayne Heintz, age 74, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on June 8, 1946 in Madison, the son of the late Raymond and Lois (Schweppe) Heintz.
Ralph graduated from Poynette High School in 1964. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the 199th Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War. Ralph farmed on the family farm with his brothers and his dad his entire life until a lung disease allowed him to retire. He married JoAnne Harrison on January 3, 1970 during a blizzard. Celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary on January 3rd, he stated JoAnne took his breath away the first time he saw her and every day since. She was his best friend, biggest advocate, and greatest love.
Ralph was a very proud man, whom everyone respected. He loved doing anything and everything with his family, his kids, especially his grandkids. Ralph was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, a friend to everyone who was ever lucky enough to meet him. He could always be seen at cross country meets, baseball games, wrestling matches, track meets, and hockey games for his kids and grandkids. Ralph talked to all of his kids almost daily and was a father figure to many people. He found a love for fishing, hunting, and trapping and loved showing off his dog, Mattie’s tricks. You could find Ralph riding around his farm in his ranger, watching sunrises and sunsets with his wife, and bird watching with his grandkids. Ralph had a beautiful backyard with a hosta garden and pond that he cared for. He loved visiting and driving his Amish friends around. Ralph was a member of the Lodi United Methodist Church. He made sure everyone knew his greatest accomplishment was his kids.
In addition to his wife, JoAnne, he was so proud to be a dad to, Tim (Jamie) Heintz and their boys, Jaedon and Parker, Becky (Dan) Mulhern and his only granddaughter, Klair, and Katie (Brad) Day and their boys, Trevor and Derek. He is also survived by his brothers, Marvin Heintz and Harlow (Mary) Heintz; sister, Barbara (Jim) Attoe and other relatives and many friends.
Due to the current pandemic, private family services were held.
Ralph always said, “Tough times never last, tough people do”. He lived this and fought until the end. He left earth surrounded by his family. Thank you to the staff at UW Hospital, especially the nurses on F6. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201
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Memories
SF
Sherian Foster
Other •
JoAnne and Family, Ralph was much loved and will be fondly remembered by all. May God grant you peace and comfort through this time. Prayers always, Sherian Foster
JK
Jan Krueger
Other •
Indeed he was a friend to anyone lucky enough to know him. A truly caring person who will be greatly missed.
AB
Annette Bockover
Other •
We moved to Heintz Road in 1997. Ralph was quick to see who the new neighbors were on his road and introduce himself. He took great pride in knowing what was going on in the 'hood. Ralph was always up for sharing his big smile and visiting with me especially while I would wait for my kids to get off the bus across from Tim's house. He was such a rascal and will be greatly missed. We're thinking of the entire Heintz family, especially JoAnne, Tim, Jamie, Jaedon and Parker. Scott and Annette Bockover
TB
Tom Brown
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ralph Heintz. We remember many of those athletic events that we shared with our children back a few years ago, or so. Even though our paths have not crossed as often since our kids got out of school our hearts are saddened by this lose. May God be with you in this time of remembering everything good that was shared with Ralph and the legacy he left behind with and in his family. Tom and Liz Brown
SB
Scott Bockover
Other •
Always a welcome smile and spirited conversation sprinkled with humor when you spoke with Ralph, a character indeed. I remember when he cam wheeling in our driveway one day, told me to get it, he wanted to show me the view from on top of the hill off of McGowan Rd. Random, unexpected, spontaneous fun. He was a very proud man of his farm, family and friends. His smirk just before he started talking to you will be missed. RIP Ralph, a good man indeed.
JD
James Delfosse
Other •
To Ralph's Familly, I am truely sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He and I used to Jump off the school bus at the McMillin farm and run home. We cut throuth the woods and across the fields of the old Shaw farm and down J. Sometimes we would beat the bus, sometimes not. Warren Shaw was not the fastest driver. I didn't see much of any of the people in High School or kept up with any one. I was told I missed him at Norm Waugh's memorial. Again I am truely sorry for your loss