Donald L. Heintz

Donald “Donnie, Dirthog” Lloyd Heintz, 86, from La Crescent, MN passed away at Emplify Health of Gundersen in La Crosse, WI on Wednesday, September 24th surrounded by family.

Donnie was born March 9, 1939 in Caledonia, MN to Lloyd and Mildred (Guillaume) Heintz. He attended Loretta Catholic School, graduating in 1957. While attending school, he met the love of his life Mary Lou Cavanaugh, carrying her books to and from school. They were married on June 20, 1959, enjoying 61 years of marriage.

Donnie joined the United States Army on January 22, 1957, being honorably discharged on December 31, 1964.

Donnie worked in the excavating industry his entire life, including Winona Excavating as a Superintendent, until 1973 when he started his own business, Don Heintz Earthmoving, along with his wife, Mary Lou. He loved his work so much that he said it never felt like work. He had a talent for being able to envision a completed project before he even started it.

Donnie also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, and inventing and fabricating things such as a fence catcher for snowmobiler, and a land plane for excavating. He also enjoyed taking long rides with his wife and also his daughters, including rides in his 1921 Model T.

Donnie was a 60-year member of Crucifixion Catholic Church of La Crescent. He was very strong in his faith.

Donnie is survived by three daughters: Sharon (Glaunert), Chris (David) Rowe, and Dawn (Terry) Lewis; grandchildren: Jessica (Richard) Sobeck, Rebecca (Matthew) Franzen, Luke (Jen) Heintz, Joe Heintz, Andrew (girlfriend Erika), Byran Hemker, Crystal Glaunert; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Wiemerslage, Lorna (Ron) Schock, Theresa Johnston, Vickie Cavanaugh, and Margaret Heintz, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Lou in March 2021; son: Steve in April 2017; his parents and step-father: Valery Schleich; brother: Jerry; sister and brother-in-law: David and June O-Brian; brothers-in-law: Mark Duffy, Robert Cavanaugh, Glen Wiemerslage, Tom Johnston, and James Daugherty; and sister-in-law: Eileen Daugherty.

Donnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was very proud of his family and spoke of them always. Donnie was so proud of his grandchildren and would often talk of working side by side with his grandsons and spending time with his granddaughters. He mentored many people in his life.

Donnie’s family would like to express our deepest thanks to Dr. Kyla Lee of Emplify, his hospice staff, Dr. Leah Metz, Dr. Duane Undeland, lifelong family friends The Abnet Family, all neighbors and friends who visited.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent, MN on Monday, September 29th at 11:00AM officiated by Fr. John Evans II. Friends may call from 9:00-11:00AM before the Mass. Burial will follow Mass at Crucifixion Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be donated in Donnie’s memory to Crucifixion Catholic School.