Orlando Jacob Heinitz

Heinitz, Orlando Jacob (Lon) 86, of Green Valley, AZ died October 10, 2007. O.J. Heinitz was born the son of Mary (Meier) and Jacob Heinitz on August 27, 1921 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He farmed with his family until the age of 21 when he joined the Army to serve in World War II. He served at the Battle of the Bulge. He reached the rank of Major and continued to serve in the Army National Guard and reserves for a total of 22 years. On September 5, 1948 he married Donna Mae Peterson. To this union three children were born - Nancy, Barbara, and Thomas. O.J. owned and operated 5 employments agencies in the state of Minnesota, Snelling and Snelling, until 1970. In 1968 O.J. was elected to the Minnesota State Legislature where he served 8 consecutive terms. He retired in 1984. During his legislative terms he was in the Real Estate business also. In 1986, he moved with his bride, Donna, to Green Valley, Arizona where they enjoyed the golf course and social activities in the community. In the past few years, he enjoyed his computer communications and ball games. Survivors include his wife Donna of Green Valley, AZ; three children, Nancy Heinitz of Sierra Vista, AZ, Barbara Heinitz of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Thomas Heinitz (Cathy) of Bloomington, MN.; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren of Minnesota. He is also survived by his brother Stan Heinitz and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Irene Stenke, and brother, Jack Heinitz. Services will be held at 12:00 pm on October 19, 2007, at Desert Hills Lutheran Church of Green Valley, Arizona. A private burial will be held at the Green Valley Funeral Home on October 19, 2007 at 10:30 am. with full military honors provided by Fort Huachuca. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Desert Hill Lutheran Church in Green Valley, Arizona. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected].

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.