David was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on October 22, 1941; the second of five children born to Edwin and Edith Heintzelman. David grew up in North Leavenworth where he attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, Immaculata and Leavenworth Senior High Schools.
Upon graduation in 1959, he along with several of his childhood buddies, and his older brother Eddie, enlisted in the United States Army. David was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. attached to Btry D, 5th Msl Bn (NIKE Hercules), 55th Arty. David loved to share his story, to any and all who would listen, that he fired a NIKE Hercules missile on the firing range at White Sand, N.M., with "these two fingers" (holding up his right index and middle fingers) while counting out the sequence.
David married his young sweetheart, Judy Kay Baker, on June 9, 1964. Although they often mused that most thought they would not last a day, they celebrated their 50th anniversary with family on the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara in 2014. Shortly before his passing, David and Judy were planning a hometown 53rd anniversary/family reunion.
After his Army career, David began working at Select Products (Hallmark Cards). In 1968 he joined ServiceMaster Hospital Corp and thus began the family's adventures transferring throughout the United States. In 1976, they returned to Leavenworth and David began his management career with the VA Medical Centers, again transferring throughout the country. In 1987, both David and Judy began new careers as Federal technicians with the California Army National Guard, USPFO, Camp San Luis Obispo, California ... and they "unpacked their bags" forever!
David is the father of four wonderful sons, Peter and Matthew; and Philip and Mark from a prior marriage. Mark passed away in 2005; Peter passed away in 2014. LtCol Matthew Heintzelman, USAF, resides in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Philip Heintzelman and his wife Kelly reside in St. Louis, Mo. and are the loving parents to three amazing children, Scott, Maggie and Jack.
David is survived by many hometown Heintzelmans including his sister Carol (Bill) Perry and brother, Michael (Eileen) Santa Clara, Calif. Brother Eddie (Dee) Heintzelman and sister, Victoria June (Vicki) Sanders Heintzelman preceded in in death.
David loved life and all that it had to offer - his family was first and foremost; then his California Central Coast home, the ocean, the mountains, long drives, sunsets, hiking, sitting by campfires, throwing rocks, eating shrimp, lobster and king crab legs. His sense of humor was infectious and at times "on the edge!" While reading the cards received from his family and friends the overwhelming theme seemed to be "I remember how kind and funny he was" and that's the defining quality of David's wonderful life. And for those of us who have heard one of his funniest stories, I'll leave you with his quote "I wish it was 10 minutes from now!"
We will plan a celebration of David's life in our hometown at a later date.
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