Edward Heineman

1957 - 2023

Edward Paul Heineman

Sep 21, 1957 - Sep 1, 2023

Put-in-Bay

Edward Paul "Ed" Heineman, 65, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at his island home with loved ones by his side.

He was born Sept. 21, 1957, the son of Louis and Barbara (Traverso) Heineman.

Ed was a fourth generation Put-in-Bay grape cultivator and wine producer through great-grandfathers Gustav Heineman and Stefano Traverso, who both also operated island caves as attractions. Edward was a fifth-generation island grape cultivator through great-great grandfathers, Johann Francis Anton and Franz Anton Fuchs.

He was the recipient of a scholarship from the George F. Lonz Foundation and earned a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Ohio State University. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he became a successful viticulturist and enologist producing countless award-winning wines. Ed's dedication to the family business led to the expansion of the Heineman winery menu to include up to 26 varieties of wine and grape juice. He was a member of Ohio Wine Producers Association, Ohio State University Alumni Association, and Put-in-Bay High School Alumni Foundation.

When Edward was not immersed in the art of winemaking, he was fishing in Lake Erie and the Florida coastal waters or playing softball at the local ball diamond. He was passionate about his Ohio sports teams including Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. Ed was warm-hearted and generous. His winery freezer was always stocked with popsicles and ice cream for the younger visitors and he frequently rescued animals in need of a loving home. He dedicated his life to making others smile and will be missed dearly.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Michele; son, Dustin (Kira Hubner) Heineman; daughter, Ava Heineman; stepdaughter, Desiraye (John Reyes) Pulizzi; grandson, Eli Heineman; stepgranddaughters, Elora and Kate Hubner; sisters, Terese (Dr. John) Baker, Angela Martens, twin Victoria Roggenbeck, and Elizabeth (Michael McIntyre) Heineman; in-laws, John (Bridget) Dodge and Tuong (Hoi) Doan; and numerous cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Samuel Heineman.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Cornerstone Room, Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 632 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay. Mass of Christian burial will be 12:30 p.m. Monday at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church with Father Nick Cunningham as celebrant. Mass will be followed by interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Fellowship will follow immediately at Put-in-Bay Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, The Gustav Heineman Scholarship, or other favorite island non-profit organizations.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.

Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Port Clinton, is handling arrangements.