Erich H. Heinichen

Erich H. Heinichen, 104 of Sullivan, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at his home.

Erich was born on September 7, 1916 in Gleason, WI, the son of Frank and Ida (Radeck) Heinichen.   Erich grew up in the Merrill area and attended school there.  He served his country in the US Army during WWII as a heavy equipment operator.  Soon after returning home, Erich joined the Operating Engineers Local 139 - working 20 plus years, retiring in 1969.  On September 28, 1946, he married Jeanne Carrol in West Allis.  The couple enjoyed 51 years of marriage until her death in 1997.  The couple had 14 foster children throughout their lives.  They were deeply concerned with the wellbeing of others.  He tended bar at Jane’s Bar (his daughters’ establishment) in Jefferson for many years and enjoyed speaking to the patrons and friends.  Erich was an independent man who drove until the age of 100, lived in his own home until the end, and insisted on walking to the road to retrieve his own mail.  He was an old-fashioned man who lived responsibly, but always provided well for his family.  He lived a full life and will be missed.

He is survived by: his daughter Jane (Artie) Calvillo of Jefferson; 3 grandchildren DuWayne (Becky) Hunt Jr. of Sullivan, David (Tammy) Key, and Scott Heth both of Johnson Creek; and a number of great-grandchildren.  Erich is also survived by many other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son David in 2019, a grandson, brother Elmer Heinichen, and sisters Ella Niehoff, Hilda Otto, and Veretta Jankowski.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home in with Rev. Mike Mannisto of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church presiding.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Erich will be laid to rest at Rock River Cemetery of Jefferson following the funeral.

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