John M. Heinrich
John M. Heinrich, 82, of Helena, MT passed away on May 16, 2010, at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 10, 1927 in Glendive, MT, the son of late John C. and Mary Della Heinrich. He was the 7th of 9 children.
He graduated for Dawson County High School. He served in the Navy for a year during WWII. He then attended Rocky Mountain College on an athletic scholarship graduating in 1950.
He went to work for KG Men Stores, where he worked his way from sales to Senior VP. He spent 30+ years with KG’s. It is during this time he met his late wife Lois. They were married on June 3, 1967. They had one daughter, Jonette, in Sept .1969. In 1982, John took on a new adventure in life, moving to Polson, MT and running his own hardware business, Davis Hardware, for 9 years.
John was a very active, independent man. He never really retired, working for numerous ACE Hardware stores in Montana and Utah for the last 15 years. He enjoyed sports of all kinds throughout his life. In Jan. 2006, he was honored at Rocky Mountain College, along with his 1947-48 teammates, as the most winning team in RMC history with a 31- 1 record and was inducted into the “ Ring of Honor”.
John was the most wonderful father and ultimate grandfather to all of his family and even to some of their friends. Everyone referred to him as Grandpa, G-pa, or Papa John.
He was a kind, charming, loving, patient, gentle, hardworking man. Everyone he ever came in contact with only had nice things to say about him. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Lois, of 32 years, parents and five siblings.
He is survived by his sister Willie Ament of Billings, two brothers, Clarence Heinrich of Glendive, MT and Chuck Heinrich of Monmouth, IL, daughter Jonette Spencer (Kyle) and grandchildren Kylene, Kiera and Kaysen of Helena, step-daughter Robyn Perry (Bill) of Sunriver, OR, step-grandchildren Scott Carpenter of Boise, ID, Michelle Powell of Bend, OR, Jodi McDuff of Birmingham, AL and Ryan Perry of Parrish, FL, step-son Scott Larson (Bonnie), step-grandson, Bob Larson both of Missoula and extended family of 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010, 10 AM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson, MT. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of St. Peters, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Heinrich’s family.
Sorry to hear of John passing away.
I was at the K-G Colorado Springs store 1972- 1986 and always enjoyed
the short amount of time I got to see and work with John.
Being from Miles City, (and moved back in 1986), and knowing Bob Nees who John played basketball with at Rocky did not hurt my standing with him.
I had sent John a letter to a Polson address and months later he called me
on a Sunday afternoon from Helena. What a wonderful conversation we had.
I will always remember John totaling a column faster than anybody could with a calculator.
I have always had very positive feelings for John.
He will be missed.
Jim Bastian
107 Balsam Drive
Miles City, MT 59301
Dear Jonette and family, I was a part of this wonderful family for nearly 40 years. I have very fond memories of Uncle John and Lois and how precious they were. John will be remembered as a very kind and thoughtful, loving man. The earth is a better place because of the life he lived. I am sure this is a very difficult time but my prayers is that you are able to treasure the memories and love that you will always have. God bless. Arlene
John was my father’s uncle. I did not know him well at all – only meeting him once I believe – but it was a fine introduction to a distant relative. My condolences are with the family during this time. From what I’ve heard and read, he indeed sounded like a wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Tara Heinrich
Bozeman, MT
Dear Jonette,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was one of the nicest men ever. He was so good to all of us crazy girls back in the day-we all adored him. Sending prayers and love to you and your family.
Love,
Patti Brown
Port Angeles, WA
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a dear friend and enjoyed my years working with him.
Steven