Larrie G. Heinzen

Larrie G. Heinzen, age 73 of Hastings, formerly of Maplewood, MN died July 29, 2015 at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul. Larrie was born February 28, 1942 in Philip, SD to Percy and Edna (Morris) Heinzen. Larrie loved the land, the prairies and the waters of his boyhood in Frederick, SD. His father served as an airman in WWII and later sold farming equipment. His mother was trained as a school teacher. Larrie often snuck out early to fish in the Elm River before school and chores. At school he was an active child and was reprimanded for his boundless energy, which he eventually channeled to football and basketball. Many a teacher compared him to his scholarly older brother, Morris, who could "sit still." In 1967, after he graduated from Northern University, he took a job teaching special education at St. Paul Central High School, where he taught for 35 years. Larrie married his high-school sweetheart, Pat Prunty on August 12, 1967 in Ellendale, ND and they raised their two daughters in Maplewood, MN. Upon their retirement they moved to Cape Coral, FL. Larrie's pontoon was tied up outside waiting for him to go fishing most mornings and evenings, and he always had an extra pole for a friend. He loved life and took people for who they were. His greatest joy was his family, especially his five rascally grandsons. His smile and dancing blue eyes will be missed by all who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Morris Heinzen. Larrie is survived by his wife Patricia; daughters Sundraya "Sunny" (Jeffrey) Kase and Megan Heinzen, all of St. Paul; grandsons, Joseph, Thomas, Patrick, William and Konrad; also many other relatives and friends. The Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Thursday, 8/6/15 at Hope Lutheran Church, 16898 Michael Ave, Hastings, MN. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Wednesday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 E. Seventh St, Hastings and one hour prior to service at church. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Federation of Teachers, Scholarship Fund.