Erwin Melvin Heinrich

1934 - 2025

Erwin Melvin Heinrich was born March 20, 1934 at Lodi Mason Hospital to Louis and Katie Heinrich. He passed away August 27, 2025, in Mansfield, Texas.
Erv graduated from Lodi High School in 1952 where he excelled in football and baseball. He earned all-conference honors on both championship teams and was chosen to play in the first North South All Star football game in Los Angeles in 1952, as well as the All Star baseball game in San Francisco. He was named to the Wigwam Wisemen All American High School team after the 1951 season. In his senior year at Lodi High he shared the James E. Conklin Outstanding Athlete Award. He scored 14 touchdowns for Lodi in 1951 including 4 long touchdown runs against rival Sacramento. He also played on the 1952 Lodi Legion championship baseball team. He was inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.
After graduation, Erv played baseball at Grant Technical School. He then accepted a baseball scholarship to Oregon State. He spent two years in the army and 35 years working at Modern Plating in Los Angeles.
He is survived by daughter Cindy Mahofski (Dave), son Mike Heinrich, daughter-in-law Erin Heinrich, step-daughter Dawn Geiger and step-son Mark Heinrich, grandchildren Sam, Mike, Stephanie, and Amanda. Also survived by sister Ida Hyske and brother Ted Heinrich, as well as many nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to extend thanks to Tender Hearts Hospice Care in Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 27 at 11:00 am in Mansfield, Texas. It will take place at daughter Cindy and Dave's house at 3202 York Drive. This is where Erv lived for the last three years with Cindy, Mike, Dave and Dawn as his caretakers. Erv was an incredible man as he touched everyone with his great smile, infectious laughter and the kindest of all hearts. He will be sorely missed by his immediate family and all that encountered his warm presence.