Daniel L. Heydinger

Daniel L. Heydinger, 97, of Willard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026-after nearly a century of always working hard and doing things his way, which, as anyone who knew him can tell you, was the right way.

Born on July 18, 1928, in Chatfield, Ohio, Dan spent his early years there before moving to New Washington in 1951. He and his family then moved to Attica in 1964. That home was special for its gardens, pond, and barn-and for hosting many family reunions. They later moved to Willard in 2002. Along the way, he built a life defined by hard work, quiet strength, and a sense of humor that could sneak up on you when you least expected it.

Dan proudly served in the U.S. Army and later worked as an operations manager at North Central Electric in Attica, where he helped lay the first electrical cable to Kelly's Island-a real groundbreaking project for the time. For Dan, "retirement" simply meant he had more time to keep busy doing other things. He was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Willard-though if you asked him, the real memberships that mattered were fishing spots, golf courses, and his workshop.

He loved fishing (especially when the fish cooperated), golfing (especially when the scorecard was negotiable), mushroom foraging, gardening with his wife, and wood carving-where his patience and craftsmanship spoke louder than words. He was also one of the best Euchre and Pinochle players in Ohio. While living in Columbus, Ohio, since 2021, he enjoyed lots of concerts, trips to the Columbus Zoo, dinners out with many friends, and watching OSU football games.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Rose Marie Zuber of Columbus; his sons, Jeffrey Heydinger of Arcola, Missouri, and Randall and Lisa Heydinger of Arlington, Virginia; 14 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren, who will carry on his stories, his stubborn streak, and probably a few of his opinions. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Heydinger of Alexandria, Virginia, who visited Dan regularly, along with many nieces and
nephews who knew him as a steady, familiar presence in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helena, whom he married on May 5, 1951. They were married for 70 years-a partnership that set the standard for the rest of the family. He also joins his parents, Albert and Rose Ann; his children Joseph, Brian, and Rebecca; his six brothers; and two sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in New Washington, Ohio, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial of Dan and Helena's ashes at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery – they will finally be together again. A lunch and celebration of life will follow at St. Bernard's. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Church or St. Francis School.