Robert Joseph Heinz

1956 - 2017

Heinz, Robert Joseph Robert Joseph ("Joe") Heinz, age 60, passed away unexpectedly last week. Joe was born May 28th, 1956, in Palm Springs, CA, to Robert and Maureen Heinz. The first of six children of a military father, Joe moved steadily during his childhood (CA, OK, NY, Germany, MS), finally settling in Beavercreek, OH, where he attended Beavercreek High School, class of 1975. Joe spent much of his adult life between Milwaukee and Lexington, KY, with a brief period in Seattle. He married twice (Kathleen Mulligan and Vicki Heinz, and had 3 sons, John (Katie), Kevin (both of San Diego) and Freddie Heinz (Seattle). Restless by nature, Joe was also often moving in flight from his own demons - chronic mental illness and substance use disorder-with which he struggled his entire adult life. If his death can serve any purpose let it be to stand as a reminder to all, of the importance of seeking help and understanding of mental illness and addiction, and to cast off the shroud of shame and stigma surrounding the diseases. In recent years, Joe had the opportunity to spend more time with his father and stepmother, in St. Francis, WI. He prepared many delicious meals, helped with house cleaning, errand running and dog walking. He often spoke of the deep privilege he felt with being able to provide support to our dad in his later years. Joe loved music and playing his guitar and had the opportunity to "give back" to the world by working with Dry Hootch, working on their music program, and reaching out to vets with guitar lessons and support. He was at his best while helping others, less fortunate than him. The greatest joys of Joe's life were his kids: John (Katie), Kevin and Freddie. Thankfully, just last fall, Joe was able to travel to San Diego to spend time with all three of his sons. He came home beaming with pride and overwhelmed with love. Along with his children, Joe is survived by his mother, Maureen Young (of Cynthiana, KY), father and stepmother, Robert G. and Sonia Heinz (of Milwaukee), sisters and step-sisters, Kathleen Bauer (Charlie), Tricia Langley, Melissa Heinz, Ann-Marie Anders (Dennis), Linda Aguado Robinson (Tom), numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Aunts Patricia Davey and Mary Nitschke (Junior), special uncle Tim (Joseph) Ternes (Jay Jemail) of PA, and numerous cousins including Christina (KG) Noble, Joseph Ternes, Lisa Ternes, Phyllis Vaglica, and Don Kerber. Joe is predeceased by his youngest brother, John Heinz, sister, Lori Feltz, and nephew, Sean Langley. A memorial and gathering of friends and family will be taking place on Sunday, June 4th, at Dry Hootch, 4801 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Please join us for a final open mic, refreshments, stories, and remembrance of our brother's life. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe's name to Dry Hootch to support their music program.