Jack Heinze

John L. "Jack" Heinze, 93, left his earthly home bound for Heaven on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Fort Wayne, IN. Jack was born in Fort Wayne on February 26, 1932, to the late Julian and Mabel Heinze. He was preceded in death by Phyllis Ann (Sordelet) Heinze, his wife of almost 70 years, who passed in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his son, James Allen Heinze; daughter, Jacqueline Sue Lovejoy; grandson, Travis L. Ballard; granddaughter, Lily Jean Stenberg; sister, Sandy Kirmer, and niece Debbie Heinze. Jack attended St. Patrick's Grade School, graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950, and went on to attend Purdue University. He served four years in the United States Navy as a Physician's Assistant. Jack retired from Falstaff Brewing Company and later ran his own painting contractor business. He ended his career as the Teamster Business Agent for Local 1162 in Fort Wayne and Local 364 in South Bend before retiring to the home he built with his own two hands on Jimmerson Lake in Angola, IN, where he spent his days fishing––a lifelong passion. He had a few tall tales about "the one that got away" ––usually delivered with a wink and a grin. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Jack's deep Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout his life. His commitment to service, faith––and above all––his family, defined the man he was. Jack worked tirelessly, always finding ways to stay busy, and had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. He also had a deep love for sports, beginning with his time playing on the St. Patrick's CYO City Championship Basketball team. As a youth, he worked as a vendor, "pitching" peanuts to fans at Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons games. He was a proud Notre Dame football fan, and the many Saturdays he and Phyllis spent tailgating, grilling his famous ribs on his homemade Notre Dame grill, and cheering on the Irish will be remembered fondly by family and friends. He also enjoyed playing bingo at the American Legion Post 31 in Angola, where he made many friendships-and occasionally even bingoed. In addition to his professional and personal passions, Jack was deeply engaged in Democratic Party politics. He served for many years as the Chairman of the Steuben County Democratic Party, where he was known for his dedication to public service and civic life. He was the proud recipient of the prestigious Roush Award, honoring his outstanding service to the community. Jack is survived by his children: Janet Lambarth of Fort Wayne, IN; Jenny Heinze of Sun Prairie, WI; John Heinze Jr. of Cincinnati, OH; Joan Chantaca of Fort Wayne, IN; and Jeff (Peg) Heinze of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce (Margie) Heinze of Baton Rouge, LA; nieces Diane Harris, Lisa Pennington, and nephews Matthew & Joseph Kirmer. Jack's legacy lives on through his many grandchildren: Sunshine Heinze; Allison (Dane) Fitzhugh; Paige (Trace) Lewis; Dr. Michael (Kari) Heinze; David Heinze (Katie Rizik); Lia Heinze (Justin Pater); Dustin (Sophie) Sheline; Cesar Chantaca (Hanah Ricketts); Patrick (Holli) Heinze; Christopher Heinze; Jessica Lovejoy (Emily Dean-McKinney); Amanda (Rick) Otis, and Carmen Ballard. And through his beloved great-grandchildren: Jacob Heinze; Jason Silcox; Atticus and Eden Lewis; Max and Ada Heinze; Brody and Braxton Heinze; Mason Ballard (Autumn Young); Alex Otis (Caitlin Ramos); Maggie Otis (Levi Tapia); Jackson Otis; Lilyan Coates; Jacob Otis; Jocelyn Coates; Austin Coates, and Lincoln Otis; Corbin; Carlee; and Caylee Ballard. In addition to his great-grandchildren, Jack is also survived by his great-great-grandchildren ShayLee Heinze; Knowledge Silcox; Kaleigha Silcox, and Sylas Young-and his fur-ever friend, Frankie Jane Heinze. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Saturday August 23, 2025 in St Jude Catholic Church, 2155 Randallia Dr, Fort Wayne, with visitation from 9:30-10:30am in the church. Visitation is also Friday 4-6pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne. Burial in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family's preferred memorial is the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, online at https://T2T.org/donate or by mail to 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306. To share a remembrance of Jack or to offer condolences, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. .