Heinz Rufer Obituary

Passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas., where he resided for the last 3 years. Loving partner of Jim Altenbaumer and friend to many, Heinz was born in Bern, Switzerland. Instilled with a love for travel at a young age he began his career as a tour escort in the travel industry with Swiss Company, Kuoni. Moving to the US in 1969 he continued his career, purchasing Beale Travel Service in Chicago and retiring in 2016, after a long and successful career. Heinz was a well-respected agent, belonging to the travel consortium, Virtuoso, as well as many other organizations. In his later years Heinz enjoyed travel with his partner Jim, continuing his passion for travel. He is survived by his partner, Jim of 22 years; his sister Anna Marie Stettler, and numerous nieces and nephews. Internment will be private.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Heinz Rufer

11 Entries

Urs and Doria Bigler

June 23, 2024

Tomorrow it already will be a year since our beloved Uncle Hene has left us. We miss him very much! Hene will always have a place in our hearts. Urs and Doria

Cheryl Nealy

June 22, 2024

Heinz was one of the loveliest men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I worked for him in La Jolla when he had a satellite office there. I visited him in Chicago, LaJolla & Lucerne over the years. He was my true friendI do miss him so.

Anthony Halstead

July 21, 2023

I met Jim & Heinz at my Open House in La Jolla several year ago. We met up the next day to look at beautiful homes in La Jolla. Heinz was humorous and welcoming to Kim & I. Hienz invited us to lunch and soon after that dinner at Eddie V's. Heinz was well cultured, well travelled and had a dignified presence. He had a great smile and bright eyes that we will miss. Much love to Jim, & Heinz's family. Tony & Kim.

Maura O´Brien Allegrini

July 6, 2023

My dad, Pat O´Brien was with SwissAir, primarily in Chicago. Heinz and he were friends for many years and I well remember the dinner parties Heinz would host as well as his kind and generous spirit.

Christine, Thomas, Aaron

July 4, 2023

We are sad.
Uncle and great uncle Hene is in our thoughts, pictures and moments. They will remind us of him, make us happy and sad and never let us forget him. It was always exciting when our uncle from America visited Switzerland - he told us about his travels and experiences and brought us gifts. He was always interested in how we were doing and what was on our minds.
I am grateful that I could visit him in 1999, 2001 and in 2017 in the USA in Chicago and San Diego.
Rest in peace.

Charles Gnaedinger

June 30, 2023

Heinz and my dad, Oskar Gnaedinger, worked together in the travel business. My dad worked at Swissair in Chicago, and being Swiss, he and Heinz became great friends. Together, they organized many tours together to Europe, and possibly around the world. Heinz was always insightful, cheerful, and fun, and he became a great family friend. My dad just died in January, and Heinz has died in June, so they both made the trip to Heaven in 2023.

James Flynn & Bill Wiley

June 28, 2023

We are so sad to hear of Heinz's passing.

Heinz was a very special person - kind, caring, sweet, knowledgeable. He was a dear friend for 48 years.

He will always have a special place in our hearts.

James Flynn & Bill Wiley

Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas

June 28, 2023

Shortly after marrying my husband, Fritz, in 1975, I found my first job in Chicago at Beale Travel Service. How lucky I was! Heinz was the most wonderful boss, and he taught me so much about the travel industry. His knowledge was immeasurable! Years later, when I used Beale for my own family's travel, I can still remember his wonderful voice and in his germanic accent saying: "Leeze, you and Freetz will not be happy in that hotel....you should stay here...." And he was always right! He, and the great group of agents there at the time (Jeanie Moran, Annette Triffler, Adele Horwitz and Carter Bestmann) made my transition to Chicago a joyful experience, and gave me memories I'll never forget. You will be so missed, Heinz.

Mary Pat Flanagan

June 28, 2023

A true renaissance man! RIP.

Urs and Doria Bigler

June 28, 2023

We will never forget our uncle in America, who, despite emigrating to the USA many years ago, has always kept in touch with his family in Switzerland. Hene will always have a place in our hearts. Urs and Doria

Cheryl Nealy

June 27, 2023

I worked for Heinz in the travel industry and remained close friends for many years until June 24 th. One of the nicest men I have ever met! He always called me"sweetheart". I miss him already but will hang on to the memories and be so blessed he was in my life for a very long time. His picture has been on my frig for many years & will remain there. Love you my dear

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