Donald L. Heinicke, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, April 10, 2016, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald LaVerne Heinicke was born March 23, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Emerson and Viola (Ollmann) Heinicke. He attended Queen of Angels Parochial School in Austin before enlisting in the United States Army. Don served his country from 1949 to 1952 in the U.S. Army, serving in Japan during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1952. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Schmidt on Nov. 4, 1964, in Northwood, Iowa. Phyllis passed away in 1972. For 32 years, Don was employed with Metal-Matic Inc. in Minneapolis where he worked as a forklift and crane operator until his retirement. He returned to Austin in 2013. Don enjoyed following sports, bowling, boating, hunting and fishing, and was a past member of the Austin VFW Post No. 1216.

He is survived by his two children, Linda Stotlar of Austin, and Daniel Heinicke of Brooklyn Center; by five grandchildren, Jennifer, William, Michael, Felicia and Sabrina; and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Norma) Heinicke, and Arlan Heinicke; and many wonderful relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Phyllis.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2016, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening and one hour before the service. Interment with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and Austin VFW Post No. 1216 will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Memorials to Austin VFW Post No. 1216. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.