Maylon Lloyd Heinz, 87, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, of natural causes at his home.

He was born June 4, 1930, in rural Henderson, Minnesota, the son of Nicholas and Anna (Brandt) Heinz. Following his 1948 graduation from Henderson High School, Maylon enlisted in the U.S. Army and took basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. From there he was assigned to the Third Infantry Regiment, a ceremonial unit stationed in Washington D.C., and served there for 2 ½ years. Maylon’s next assignment was to a signal corps unit stationed in Alaska. After serving in Alaska for eight months, he received his honorable discharge in 1952 and returned to civilian life. On June 13, 1953, Maylon was united in marriage to Marilyn Kroehler in Henderson. Maylon entered college at Mankato State University under the G.I. Bill, majoring in social studies, history, and industrial arts. He graduated in December 1955 with a bachelor of science degree. His first job took him to Saginaw, Michigan, where he was a teacher. It was there that he earned his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. The couple moved to Blooming Prairie in 1962, where Maylon began a 29-year career as the guidance counselor and community education director for Blooming Prairie Public Schools, retiring in 1991. Maylon enjoyed his family and the activities of his grandchildren very much. His favorite recreation over the years was golfing. He loved to design and build many projects in his basement shop for his family. He also enjoyed traveling, writing, and singing. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, where he taught Sunday school and served as congregation president. Maylon’s other affiliations included Secretary of the Lion’s Club, Commander of the American Legion Post 52, President of the Blooming Prairie Country Club, and a Boy Scout leader. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Maylon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Heinz, Blooming Prairie; his children, Steve (Deanna) Heinz, West Fargo, North Dakota, Nancy (Gary) Noble, Owatonna, Minnesota, Jeff (Joan) Heinz, Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Amy (Rod) Baker, Owatonna; and 11 grandchildren, Jen (Matt), Greg (Katie), Danny (Jenna), Holly (Flash), Cody (Jess), Ben, Carson, Payton, Landyn, Nolan, and Erin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Anna Heinz; his brothers, Wilmar, Harold, Robert, Nicholas, Marvin and John; his sister, Carolyn; and infant children, Lon Allen and Pamela Kay.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. at the church immediately preceding the service. Military rites by the Blooming Prairie Honor Guard. Private interment will be in Brown Cemetery in Henderson at a later date. Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Church, the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation, or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.