Henry H. “Doc” Heinz

Henry “Doc” Heinz, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Wellspring Assisted Living. He was 83 years old.

The son of the late Jean Betty (Hollard) and John Heinz, Doc was born April 4, 1941. He started off his early days in his parent’s business, Valley Nursery. The family of six grew together on their joint home and business property at 6245 State Street. Doc greatly resembled his grandfather, Dr. Alfred Hollard, which is where he gained the nickname “Doc.” Doc attended Michigan State University for three years before leaving to come home to work for his family’s business. Doc spoke often about his roommate and friends from college that he remained in touch with over the years. He was a veteran and served in the Army National Guard.

He married his wife Jean (Beranek) in 1970. Together, Jean and Doc started “Doc Heinz Contracting” in 1971 and have been in operation for 53 years. A trademark of their business were the red trucks and great team members. Doc and Jean had many wonderful, loyal employees over the years who became known as their “work family.” As a family, we were all lucky to have them share in our lives. Doc continued to work right until the end. He loved going into work - to look for new opportunities and “check on work sites.”

Doc enjoyed good food, traveling to Arizona, golfing, spending time out and about, and enjoying time at his cabin in Tawas on Lake Huron.

Doc loved spending time with his many friends. Doc loved to play cards – from Gin Rummy to Pinnacle to poker. From local games with his Card Buddies and his nephew Britt, to playing on the cottage porch in Tawas with his brother-in-law Terry and father John. Doc never met a deck of cards he didn’t like. Thank you for all continuing to check in on him and for your support.

Doc was preceded in death by his parents Jean and John Heinz, his wife Jean Heinz, his brother Jonny Heinz, his nephew Scott Durand and his niece Kelly Heinz-Grundner.

Doc loved his family and friends. He is survived by his three children, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law: Jeffrey and Jean (Filcek) Heinz, Jaqueline (Heinz) and Pete Campbell, and Jo Ellen Heinz; seven grandchildren: Mitchell Heinz, Danielle Heinz, Gabrielle Heinz, Cassandra Campbell, Jacob Campbell, Katelynn Campbell, and Charlotte Mingallon; two sisters and a brother-in-law: Lisa Heinz and Jeanne Heinz-Durand and Terry Durand; nephews and nieces: Jenny Heinz, Jason Durand, Britt Heinz, Vance Heinz. 

In addition to Doc’s immediate siblings – Lisa, Jonny, and Jeanne - he had many extended relatives as his father was the youngest of seven boys. Many remain in the area to this day and were a big part of his life.

Doc’s family wishes to thank everyone, his caregivers, friends and beyond, who showed him care and compassion during his final days.

Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024. Rev. Erik Schmidt of Peace Lutheran Church will officiate the service. Private interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery after the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Mayo Clinic. Contributions may be sent to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Please visit www.casefuneralhome.com to share memories of Doc with the family.