John was born on August 26, 1942 in Gunnison, Colorado, to Elbert and Mary (Harding) Heinecke. He was next to the youngest of 11 children. He spent his childhood in Clifton and Grand Junction, and on October 29, 1960, he joined the US Navy. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, and was a part of the invasion at the Bay of Pigs. John was stationed on a Navy ship when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and due to the high security at that time his family was not able to contact him, or know his whereabouts for three months. John was honorably discharged in 1964. During his lifetime, he was a logger that was as tough as his axe handle, and a master carpenter. Although he spent most of his life in Colorado, he also lived in Orofino, Idaho.
John married Pat Stickens in 1965. They had seven children, and later divorced. He married Sharon L. O’Keefe on April 22, 2007, in Clifton. Sadly, both women preceded him in death.
John was a member of the Eagles, the Moose Lodge, and the VFW. In his free time, he loved hunting, fishing, walking through the forest, playing pool, and watching the Broncos play. He enjoyed playing his guitar, singing, and dancing, and was once mistaken for Elvis Presley. John was a great teacher. He was a very stubborn, hardworking, loving, and wise man, and was a romantic at heart. He loved his family, and any time he would say goodbye, he was known to say “walk tall”. He will be greatly missed.
John leaves behind many people to carry on his legacy- his sons, Jeffery Heinecke of Kensal, North Dakota, Dr. Joseph Heinecke of Grand Junction, Gary Stevens of Smiths Station, Alabama, and James Reynolds of Clifton; daughters, Sara Heinecke of Orofino, Idaho, Becky Heinecke of Estes Park, Trishia Hill of Grand Junction, Heather Heinecke of Fruitvale, and Tammy Caipen of Andrews, Texas; brother, Melvin Heinecke of Fruita; sisters, Margie Price of Grand Junction, and Wilda of Salem, Oregon; 37 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends, whom he loved. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; sons, John A. Heinecke and Timothy Stevens; brothers, Bill and Grant Fuller, and Bob and Jack Heinecke; sisters, Mildred Belger, Joy Hooper, and Elberta Schultz.
A virtual celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 26th at 11 am on the Martin’s Mortuary Facebook page.
Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.martinmortuary.com.
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