Rick Heintz
September 5, 1946 ~ June 5, 2016
Rick Lee Heintz, age 69 of Fargo, ND joined the Lord on June 5, 2016, following complications after his lung transplant. He was born in Sioux Falls, SD on September 5, 1946 to Farnum and Deve (Schultz) Heintz. He grew up in Clear Lake, SD where he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Luke Giessinger. Rick graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1965. He attended two years college and worked in Iowa in the summers building grain bins. He was later employed at Behren’s Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD.
In 1968, he married Linda Bolen in Sioux Falls and they moved to Los Angeles, CA where he graduated from LA Mortuary College. His first job was working for Vertins Mortuary in Wahpeton, ND. During that time he had one daughter, Tawnya. He was hired with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1972 and had two more daughters, Rickae and Cassandra. He married Laura Sauvageau in 1999. He worked for the railroad until 2002 when he encountered an accidental exposure to anhydrous ammonia on the job. He has been retired since. He had a lung transplant January 2015.
During his life he had a huge love for golf, either watching it on TV or playing. Rick loved spending time with his granddaughters going to their races, music concerts and staying with them in the summer so he could take them to activities. In the last 10 years he spent his winters in Lake Havasu, AZ. He will be missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by children, Tawnya (Tom) Ricker, Rickae (Randy) Walberg, Cassandra (Scott) Steele; mother, Deve Giessinger; brother, Jay (Donna); sister, Leann Mears; granddaughters, Nicolette and Shelby Ricker; Kaylee and Abby Walberg; niece, Amber; nephews, Matt and Travis; special friends, Rip and Patti; and many other relatives and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his dad Farnum Heintz; dad Luke Giessinger; sister-in-law Nancy Heintz.
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Rick was a good friend and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rick’s family and may his memories ease the pain of his passing.
I will miss my brother very much. I am very disappointed that the transplant didn’t give Rick some good quality years. We will cherish our time with Rick when we were his care givers for his transplant. Donna and Rick formed a very special bond during this time and for that we are forever grateful. We know you are in a better place now and there will be no more suffering. We love you very much!
The photo of Rick is great!! We will miss him so much. He loved coming to the CLHS Class Reunions for the graduating class of 1965. He was so excited to be able to come to the 50th reunion last July until the virus stopped him in his tracks. The attendees called him and each of us were able to visit with Rick for a few minutes. He really enjoyed it and told us over and over how much it meant to him that we called him. We were so hoping after the transplant he would have some quality years and enjoy the things he loved so much. We are sorry that this was not to be. Our sympathy to all Rick’s family. May He Rest In Peace!!
Thinking about you and your entire family Rickae! My heart aches for you…many many hugs!
Rick was a former Brother in Law and a good friend. He introduced me to the game of golf which he loved at a very early age. He even gave me my first set of golf clubs. I will never forget the time we tried to sneak in 9 holes before Tawnya and Tom’s wedding. The play that day was moving along at a snails pace. The longer it took, the more Rick worried he wouldn’t get to the church on time. For some reason the slow pace raised my game to a new level that day. I kept thinking we can’t stop now I have you by a few strokes. I can’t even remember if we finished the round. I only remember it was nice to see my mentor see my game come around. You will be missed by everyone.
I was fortunate to have Rick as my neighbor for a few years. He was a wonderful friend! I am missing him!
I offer sincere sympathy to Ricks family!! He will be missed. I graduated with Rick from Clear Lake and remember his Mother and Dad in the dime store. Luke bought the barber shop from my father who died in 57. I was able to visit with Rick at our “60” birthday party at the Daily’s. He will be missed but is breathing freely now.
Deepest condolences to Rick’s family
He was a wonderful man with a great love for his grandchildren that one could obviously see.
Rick was a great guy! So sorry he didn’t have more time. I know he was fighting hard.
Have some good visits with Dean, Rick. He’ll be there for you!!
Leann and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jan
I got to know Rick through his lovely wife Laura. They both taught me to golf many years ago. We had so much fun laughing and teasing each other on the golf course. I was so sad to hear that Rick was failing after years of struggling with health issues. RIP my dear friend. And God bless his family as they grieve. Judy
Our thoughts & prayers are with all the family. I too graduated with Rick & our parents were very good friends with Deve & Luke. We missed him at our 50th Class Reunion & enjoyed our short chats with him that evening! He struggled so much & gave life his very best! We will miss that smile!
Rick was not only my brother but one of m best friends. I will forever miss him. He was the best brother ever. My heart is breaking, but I know we will be together soon. Rick I Love you, I Love you, I love you
Leann & family,
My sympathy for you as you mourn the loss of Rick. May your heart be comforted by your love for him.
Hugs & Love ❤️