County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

ROBERT DEAN HEINTZELMAN SR.

APRIL 7, 1947 – NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Posted

                Robert Dean Heintzelman Sr. 74 of rural Harrison passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Robert was born April 7, 1947 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan the son of Gerald Charles and Fern June (Siel) Heintzelman. Dean had resided in Harrison his adult lifetime. Dean spent many years as a heavy equipment operator. Mr. Heintzelman was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Painter on July 28, 2012 in Harrison, Michigan.

                Dean was a life member of the Harrison Moose Lodge #2235 and obtained the distinction of Fellowship Degree. He spent many years with the Clare County Sheriff Reserves. Dean enjoyed Hunting, fishing, ice fishing, or anything that involved the outdoors and nature. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, cheering for and cursing the Detroit Lions, drinking Pepsi, which he traded for Strohs beer over thirty years ago. Robert was happiest when he was surrounded by his entire family.

                Surviving Mr. Heintzelman is his wife of nine years, Mrs. Barbara Sue Heintzelman of Harrison, nine children; Robert “Charlie” Dean Heintzelman Jr. and wife Sherrie of Harrison, Keith Wilson and wife Toni of Ishpeming, Michigan, Larry “Meat” Rennaker of Clare, Michigan, Michael “Mike” Heintzelman and wife Jennifer of Harrison, Jenny Heintzelman of Harrison, Michelle Parish of Warren, Michigan, Dale “DJ” Wilson of Harrison, Chris Benjamin of Harrison and Autumn Painter of Phoenix, Arizona, twenty two grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, three sisters; Evelyn Barnes and husband Jerry of Auburn, Michigan, Connie Berg of Clare and Marcella Ozanich of Lansing, Michigan, one brother, Glenn Heintzelman and wife Kathy of Mecosta, Michigan, one sister in-law, Selina Ney of Harrison, four brothers in-law; Dewey Adams of Lake Orion, Michigan, Jerry Lee Painter of Harrison, Loren Painter of Michigan and David Painter of Waterford, Michigan, many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Mr. Heintzelman was preceded in death by his parents, three wives; Carol Rennaker, Kathy Heintzelman, and Rebecca Carpenter, two sisters; Marilyn Sillman and Charlene Walker and one brother, Gerald “Chuck” Heintzelman and one grandson, Leslee.

                Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Heintzelman will be held Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, 165 West Oak Street, Harrison with Pastor Chris Saint officiating. Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Harrison. Memorial gifts in memory of Dean may be considered to the Heintzelman family, in care of: Michael Heintzelman. To share an online memory or condolence with Dean’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements and care of Mr. Heintzelman and his family are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989)539-7810.