Obituary: Duane Heinitz

Duane Heinitz

Duane Fredrick Heinitz of Bullhead City, Arizona, dedicated husband, father, and friend to many, passed away on October 9, 2022, at the age of 80.

He was born on August 11, 1942, in Sykeston, N.D. The youngest son of Martin David Heinitz (born June 28, 1908, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, passed December 25, 2005 in Carrington, N.D.) and Alice Grace (Hansen) Heinitz (born October 27, 1914, in Cathay, N.D., passed July 26, 2002, in Carrington, N.D.

He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Lynn Heinitz and his older brothers, Merlin and Floyd Heinitz.

After high school, Duane entered the Navy. He served his country as an Engineman Petty Officer 3rd Class employed as a mechanic helper at Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Hawaii where he assisted with work on the U.S.S. Reclaimer. Duane was honorably discharged on December 11, 1964. He returned to his parents' home in Carrington, N.D., until he moved west to California in 1968 to pursue additional job opportunities.

Duane found professional success working in the commercial printing industry. He also met and married the love of his life Sharon (Phinney) Heinitz and together they had a wonderful life that included three children (Richard Burk, Christine Burk-Cid and Laura Heinitz) a lovely home, vacations, parties, fine dining, and his toys that included motorcycles, boats, and cars.

Eventually, Duane and Sharon retired full time to their home in Bullhead City, Arizona. He loved boating on the Colorado River, visiting with his six grandchildren, Nicole, Corie, Amy, Sydnie, Lauren and Ryan, and taking many road trips.

We like to say that Duane was the unofficial mayor of Bullhead City. All his friends and neighbors knew that if you needed a business recommendation, a tool, a cold beer, or a hand with any project, Duane was your man. He loved being of service and tinkering in his garage on his much cared for Chevy pick-up and his Monte Carlos SS.

Duane's passing leaves a heartbreaking void in our lives. Especially for his wife of 53 years, Sharon, his little sister Cloy (Heinitz) Trottier, children and grandchildren. But we take solace and pride in knowing he lived a wonderful life, and is at peace reunited with his daughter, mother, father, and brothers.

Our very-much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend will be honored with a memorial at El Rio Golf Club, 1 Paseo El Rio, Mohave Valley, Arizona 86440 on Sunday, November 27 at 3:30 p.m. A Military Honor Guard presentation will be performed promptly at 3:40 p.m. We welcome all who knew Duane. Condolences are welcomed and can be sent to Sharon Heinitz, 1663 Nottingham Drive, Bullhead City, AZ. 86442.

We've created a special online memorial at forevermissed.com and we welcome you to visit the page to read more about Duane's life and view cherished family photos.