Ed Heintzelman - LHS Class of 1957

Edwin Leo “Ed” Heintzelman, 71, Leavenworth, died Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO.
He passed away, in the presence of his loving family, after years of battling and surviving multiple cancers. He was a devoted husband, a selfless and stable father to six children, and a gentle grandpa to nine grandchildren. He was also respected in the Leavenworth community as a businessman and active volunteer, and in his church community. Ed believed strongly in the power of positive thinking-that you can't always choose your life circumstances but that you can choose your attitude. This principle, and his strong work ethic, guided his life and provided an example to all who knew him.
Ed was born May 16, 1939 in Leavenworth, the first of five children to Edwin Alfred and Edith Viola Overfield Heintzelman. He attended Immaculate Conception grade school and served as an altar boy at the Old Cathedral. Despite the difficulty of losing his father when he had just entered his teens, Ed recounted numerous stories of good times growing up in north Leavenworth with his brothers and sisters, extended family, and friends.  Living near the Missouri River, he even once walked across the river when it had frozen over in winter.
In order to help support the family, Ed began his work life early. He started out as a busboy at Dubach's Grill and became a journeyman butcher at the A&P during his late teens.  He attended Immaculata High School for three years, then Leavenworth High School, which allowed him to work half days through Distributive Education, graduating in 1957.
Ed was united in marriage to Deanna Theresa “Dee” Forge on June 11, 1960, by Msgr. Alexander Harvey at the Old Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Leavenworth. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the summer of 2010.
Ed was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from 1959 to 1962 as a member of the Nike Missile Unit at Ft. Leavenworth. Asked who could type, he responded affirmatively and became the Company Clerk.
Ed wasn't afraid of a challenge and made the early career choice of becoming an independent agent for American Family Insurance. His first office was in his home. His career with American Family lasted 44 years. Both his daughter Lisa and eventually granddaughter Quinn worked alongside him. During that time, he qualified for 38 consecutive All-American conventions held in various cities in the US and Canada.  Still, he considered his success not measured by accolades and materials wealth. Rather, the value of his work was in the service it provided to his customers: providing security to their loved ones. He genuinely enjoyed going to work each day and the interactions it allowed with a variety of people. He retired reluctantly in 2008 when declining health made it necessary.
Well into adulthood, while married and a father, Ed attended St. Mary College. He did not complete a degree but was particularly interested in business and psychology.
Ed's activities outside of education, career and family included a deep commitment to his church.  He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, where he served as a lector and eucharistic minister. He was also a strong supporter of the Leavenworth Catholic schools. His community involvement included membership in the Knights of Columbus Council # 900, the Leavenworth Lion's Club, Eagles Aerie # 55, Elks, and the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Leavenworth area United Way, serving as Campaign Chair and Board Chair in the early 1980's. As a sports enthusiast, Ed was an avid golfer, played league basketball and softball, refereed high school football and basketball and coached youth basketball.
In addition to being a hard worker, Ed was a fun-loving man. He liked to tease and use funny voices. He enjoyed family get-togethers where there was food and entertainment.  He was an enthusiastic dancer. He enjoyed the music of the 1950's and could often be heard singing along to his favorite tunes. He was a particularly big fan of Elvis Presley. He liked to travel, including visiting his out-of-state children, but also made two trips to Europe.
As Ed began to face health challenges later in life, the KU Med Center became his home away from home.  Though he didn't like hospitals, he encountered many wonderful doctors and staff, and appreciated the compassionate and skillful care he received.
Ed is survived by his wife, Dee, who resides at the home. He is also survived by one son, Chris (Melanie) Heintzelman, Peoria, IL., five daughters, Lisa (Ron) Lake, Leavenworth, Dr. Lori Heintzelman, Boulder, CO., Leslie (Steve) Navinsky, Winchester, Lynn (Brian) Cullen, Roseville, CA., Libby (Shane) Ling, Platte City, MO., two brothers, David (Judy) Heintzelman (LHS Class of 1959), Morro Bay, CA., Michael (Eileen) Heintzelman LHS Class of 1965), Santa Clara, CA., two sisters, Carol (Bill) Perry (LHS Class of 1961), Leavenworth, Vicki (Denton) Sanders, Kansas City, MO., nine grandchildren, Quinn Cooper, Cara Cooper, Blake Heintzelman, Grant Heintzelman, Remi Heintzelman, Taylor Cullen, Jordan Cullen, Gannon Ling and Annika Ling. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his cat, Domino.   
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, 11:00 AM, Monday at the Immaculate Conception Church in Leavenworth. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Leavenworth. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Sunday at the Church with Rosary recitation at 1:30 PM, Sunday. Memorials may be made to Renovation Project of Immaculate Conception Church, or to Capital Campaign for the Next 150 Years for Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools or to the Organization of the donor’s choice.  Send memorials in care of Barnett-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa, KS. 66066. www.barnettchapeloaks.com.