Rodney L. HeinzeMr. Rodney L. Heinze, 68, of Vermontville passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 at his home. Rod was born in Charlotte, MI on December 13, 1947, the son of the late Thraves and Margaret (Lipsey) Heinze.He was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools graduating from Maple Valley High School 1966. On September 17, 1967 he married Linda (Hulsebos) at the Baptist Church in Bellevue MI. Shortly after they were marriedRod enlisted in the United State Army; and was stationed in Germany for two years. Rod and Linda enjoyed Germany, and spent their time traveling to different areas in the country. Rod finished his service while stationed in Texas until being honorably discharged in 1973. The couple returned to Michigan and settled on the family farm where Rod built their home on Pease Road. The familyhomestead has remained in the family for over three generations. Rod loved spending time working around the farm whether cutting wood, producing maple syrup in the spring or hunting deer in the fall, these where times Rod used to build relationships with his three sons, and their families.Rod was employed as a Skilled Tradesman at General Motors for 39 years before retiring in 2006.He enjoyed learning and throughout the years has advanced his education by attending Lansing Community College where he focused on coursework to help hone his career skills. Family has always been a source of joy for Rod. While his children where young he was very active in coaching their sport teams, and although his coaching dayshave passed, Rod continued his love of sports attending all of his grandchildren'sevents. During the summer months, the family swimming pool was the place where the family gathered during those hot days to spend time together grilling, playing, and enjoying time together.Rod is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Linda, three sons Randy (April) Heinze, Matt Heinze, Nate (Heather) Heinze, four sisters, Nancy (Ken) Lancaster, Jeanette Nevins, Janice Heinze, Carolyn (Leon) Cluckey, two brothers, Doug (Sally) Heinze, Phil (Peggy) Heinze, and his beloved grandchildren Breanna, Jace, & Eliana Heinze, Samantha, & Grant Heinze, Lynkan, & Annmarie HeinzFuneral Services will be held at The Nashville Church of the Nazarene,in Nashville, MI, at 1 PM on Saturday, April 2nd, with Pastor Jeff Hodge officiating.
The family will receive visitors on Friday April 1, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service Hillside Cemetery - Kalamo Kalamo, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to the Maple Valley Football Program, or The Nashville Church of the Nazarene. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net