Obituary of Donald Glen Heinrich
Donald Glen Heinrich
“Tiny”
On Saturday, November 18, 2017, at his home in Dwight, Donald Glen Heinrich passed away suddenly as a result of complications after a fire started in the his garage. Don was born in Pontiac, IL on March 19, 1964 and was a lifelong resident of Dwight, IL. He was a graduate of Dwight Township High School, Class of 1982. After high school, he attended Parkland College where he studied small engine repair, and he then achieved the status of Master Mechanic. He then proudly opened his own business, “Don’s Small Engine Repair Shop” in Dwight. As the years went on, Don mastered the art of fixing anything and everything. He could always be found tinkering around out in his garage. One of his proudest moments was winning “Salesman of the Year” for Country Clipper Lawn Mowers. He enjoyed socializing with all of his friends, whether it was at the local barber shop or having a backyard barbeque. In the small town of Dwight, Don knew everyone and everyone knew him. Although he was nicknamed “Tiny”, he was known to be the biggest Teddy Bear with a huge heart. He enjoyed taking road trips and loved the beach. Don will be remembered not only for his sense of humor and his social personality, but also for his love for animals and children. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Don is survived by his siblings, Jerry (Connie) Heinrich, Tom (Becky) Heinrich, Carol (David) Winters, and Melody Heinrich; his nieces and nephews, Todd (Marta) Heinrich, Tim (April) Heinrich, Aaron (Andria) Winters, Karin (Rory Koontz) Winters, and Mike Heinrich; his longtime companion and girlfriend of 17 years, Lillian Saluska and her children, Brandi (Jim) Smith, Christopher Skeen and Tiffany Skeen; Lillian’s grandchildren, Abbi, Caiden and Carter Smith, Kendall, Autumn, Georgia, Johnny and Jaice Skeen; his beloved feline companions, “Little Bit”, “Belle”, and “Junior”; and several great-nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ruth (Jacobsgaard) Heinrich and his beloved best canine friend, “Strudel”.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at The Country Mansion, 101 W. South Street, Dwight, IL. Services will take place from 11-12 Noon with Pastor Victor Randall Jr. officiating. A funeral luncheon will follow services. Cremation rights have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family to cover expenses and to pay tribute to the Dwight, Fire Department, Police Department and EMS. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
