James Lee Heinecke

James Heinecke, of Woodbury, MN, formerly of Appleton, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 47.

A time of visitation with the family will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Zniewski Funeral Home – Vaala Chapel in Appleton.

James Lee Heinecke was born on September 13, 1977, to Rolf and Harriet (White) Heinecke in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church in Appleton. James was a 1996 graduate of Lac Qui Parle Valley High School.

After high school, James embarked on many adventures. He first attended Michigan Technological University, later transferring to the University of North Dakota, before enlisting in the United States Army as a Ranger in 1998. He was a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 101st Airborne Division.

After two years in the Army, James attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in linguistics. While at UF, he maintained his service status through the ROTC program and was commissioned as an officer. Upon graduation, he moved to Minnesota to attend culinary school at the Art Institutes International, earning an associate degree in Culinary Arts.

In 2005, James married the love of his life, Lindsay (Larson), in St. Paul. To this union, two children were born: Sam and Eli. Most recently, they made their home in Woodbury, MN.

In 2005, James was deployed to Camp Fallujah in Iraq, where he served his country on a two-year tour. In 2010, he returned to school to earn his MBA from the University of Notre Dame. James started working for Amazon in 2013, first in fulfillment center finance and eventually moving into his long-term career of warehouse software and logistics management across multiple employers. James and his family returned to Appleton in 2017 where he farmed alongside his father for 7 years.

In his free time, James enjoyed many hobbies, including riding bikes with his boys, reading about technology and coding, and immersing himself in a wide range of music that spanned many genres.

James will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Lindsay of Woodbury, MN; two sons, Sam & Eli; parents, Rolf & Harriet "Lee" Heinecke of Appleton; sister, Andrea Young, and her husband, Ryan of Madison; their children, Carson, Max and Nora; and many extended family members who loved him dearly.

James is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold and Muriel "Mim" Heinecke, and Harold's second wife, Vivian; and his maternal grandparents, Leland and Harriet White, and Leland's second wife, Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made to Tunnels to Towers or T.A.P.S., both organizations that serve veterans and their families.

Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home – Vaala Chapel.