Hugh “Buzz” Heinecke

Hugh D. "Buzz" Heinecke, age 90, of Richfield, passed away on September 20, 2024. Buzz was born to Alvin and Violet Heinecke on April 5, 1934 in Mpls. Buzz graduated from Central High School, attended the University of Minnesota for 1 year, and then worked with his dad in sheet metal as a welder. He married Joyce Johnson in July 1955. The two bought a home in Richfield where they raised their three sons,, Hugh "Buzzie", Tim and Darrell, and where they've continued to live. Buzz was drafted in September 1957, went to Fort Chaffee for basic training, then to Fort Bliss for missile training. Joyce joined him at Fort Bliss. He served in Kitzengen, Germany for 18 months. Joyce joined him there as well. In 1967, he attended Brown Institute. Buzz worked for Control Data/VTC in multiple roles from 1968 until his retirement in 1994. Buzz enjoyed supporting the boys in their activities. He and Joyce started the Richfield HS Band Boosters and chaperoned many parades and trips. The two bought a Lake home in Outing, MN, where they were charter members of the Lake Association. Buzz loved to build. He and Joyce built their garage at home, a pickup camper, their family room addition, and the garage at the lake home including bedrooms above with an enclosed skyway to the lake home. Buzz lived a good life with his loving family and many friends. He was a member of Cataract Lodge, Mpls. Scottish Rite, Zuhrah Shrine and the Richfield American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Lou Prentice. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joyce; sons, Hugh II "Buzzie" (Pam), Tim (LauRinda), Darrell (Deb) Heinecke; grandchildren, Hallie (John) Peterson, Nick Heinecke (Lydia), Kevin (Lauren) Heinecke, Jill Heinecke (Frank), Michele Heinecke (Matt), and Toni (Adam) Huss; great-grandchildren, Oenn Heinecke, Mason Peterson, Taylor Peterson and Cora Heinecke, and by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.