Mike Heininger

1939 - 2025

Marvin (Mike) Wynn Heininger of Lake Ridge, and former resident of Dale City, Virginia, for 50 years, died December 1, 2025, at age 86. He was a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, public relations director, writer, editor, and teacher.

Born in 1939 to Winfield and Madonna (Lambert) Heininger and raised in Evansville, Indiana, he worked his way through Evansville College as a reporter-photographer for the Sunday Courier and Press, graduating in 1961. Mike then served 20 years in the Air Force, primarily as a public affairs officer in locations including Ohio, Labrador, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and the Pentagon.

While in the Air Force, he received his master of science degree in public affairs from Boston University in 1969. Mike retired in 1981 as Chief of the Plans and Programs Division, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs at the Pentagon. His decorations included the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Mike was later Director of Communications for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and a professor at Strayer University (then Strayer College) in Potomac Mills, Virginia. He also wrote various articles, sometimes under the pen name Mark Wynn. His impressive language abilities and vocabulary broke through even in his last days.

Recreationally, his interests included reading, photography, surfing, windsurfing, softball, sporting clays, computing, and music. Many family adventures were centered around water sports and ocean visits. Mike also played clarinet and tenor sax in the Prince William Community Band for sixteen years.

Loved ones include his beloved wife of 65 years, Judith Ann (Hazelwood) Heininger; three children, Amy (Charles), Eric, and Holly (Paul); eight grandchildren, Hannah, Naomi, Oren, Robert, Alex, Michael, Caroline, and Lauryn; and six great-grandchildren. Mike was predeceased by his sister, Jeanne Woolems.

Mike was known to his family for having a keen interest in learning and research that never waned. This intellectual curiosity enabled him to talk to anyone about nearly anything, happily finding common interests with his children, grandchildren, and others. He was witty and had a great sense of humor, which everyone who knew him appreciated, whether bandmate or old friend, family member or even new acquaintance. Family and friends alike would all agree there was nobody else quite like Mike. Beloved pets featured in his memories as well, as he enjoyed and respected animals of all types, but especially his dogs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated by the University of Evansville, Doctors Without Borders, or the charity of your choice. A private gathering was held at Mountcastle Funeral Home prior to interment at Quantico National Cemetery. Later, a memorial reception was held at Westminster at Lake Ridge.