Michael L. Heintzman

Esteemed forensics colleague and instructor, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, Michael Lawrence Heintzman, of Salem, OR, passed away on March 17, 2024, surrounded by family. Born April 19, 1953, to the late Michael Dean and Doris Lorraine (Romann) Heintzman of Peoria, IL, he lived a life of extraordinary public service and dedication to family.
Michael's career was distinguished by a life-long pursuit of forensic science, criminalistics, law enforcement and public safety. After graduating in 1971 from Spalding Institute, Peoria, IL, he served in the US Army as a military policeman and tank gunner, serving honorably until 1974. Returning to Peoria, he married the love of his life Mary in 1975 and began his career in police work as a patrolman and investigator for the Peoria County Sheriff.
He first studied police science, biochemistry and data processing at Illinois Central College, receiving an ALA in history in 1982. With the Peoria County Sheriff, he rose to crime scene technician and latent fingerprint examiner. Moving his family to Kenosha, WI in 1990, he consulted for Applied Forensic Technologies Intl. in Lake Geneva, WI, and became the manager of the Evidence/Identification Bureau for Kenosha City/County Joint Services in Kenosha, WI. With another family move to Salem, OR in 1996, he became a latent print examiner for the Salem Forensic Lab of the Oregon State Police and moved up to lab supervisor, director, and most recently operations manager. He was also on their bomb squad and worked as an FBI liaison.
During his career, he continued his education studying forensic science at universities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Oregon, becoming an instructor and adjunct professor in criminalistics, including expert testimony, chemistry applications of forensic science, digital imaging for law enforcement, evidence processing, crime scene preservation and reconstruction, police microcomputers and photography, fingerprint serology and DNA terminology, blood stain pattern analysis, scale measurements and drawings. He was an expert witness for Federal and Circuit Courts. In short Michael was a champion of justice.
Michael pursued hobbies with passion, tinkering with model trains, coding train software, and playing with numerous gadgets. An avid reader and music lover, he looked forward to game nights with his family and countless adventures with Mary. He cherished time with his grandchildren, instilling in them kindness and curiosity.
Michael is survived by beloved wife Mary Patricia (Dodge); sons Jonathan, and Joseph (Natasha) of Manchester, CT; daughter Rebecca and children Morgan and Adam McClain of Keizer, OR; sister Melissa (Lewis) Minor of Atlanta, GA; and brother Christopher of Pensacola, FL.
His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. Michael's legacy of love, laughter and service will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held April 26 at 10:00am at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 5303 River Rd. N., Keizer, OR, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Eco-Earth Restoration Project ( Eco-Earth Restoration Project - SPF Special Project (salemparksfoundation.org) ), Family Building Blocks of Salem, OR ( https://familybuildingblocks.org/ ), or a charity of your choice.
The family extends their gratitude to Weddle Funeral Home in Stayton, OR, for their compassionate
care and guidance.