Jerome Heinrichs

MADISON-Jerry Heinrichs, 84 years old, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2017 at the home he built for and raised his family in overlooking Wingra Park in Madison, WI.

Jerry was born on August 18, 1933 in Madison, WI, the son of Frank and Mae Heinrichs. He married Jean Tiedeman on June 24, 1961 at Blessed Sacrament Church. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage in part because Jerry learned early on that "whatever's best dear" was the secret to a happy marriage.

Jerry grew up in the 'bush' near the Henry Vilas Zoo. He attended St. James grade school. He went to Edgewood High School, walking uphill in the snow both ways. He earned his tuition by dishing out ice cream in the cafeteria, sneaking an extra scoop into the dishes of his friends.

Jerry was a successful builder and land developer. His passion was driving around looking at dirt. He loved going to the Country Inn for lunch with the local farmers and his business partners.

Jerry was a Korean War Veteran. He was blessed with the opportunity to go on the Badger Honor Flight.

Jerry was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church. He served on the Finance Committee and a variety of other parish and church functions.

Jerry was a hockey enthusiast. He was a member of the Madison Cardinal Hockey team and the 1951-1952 state championship team. He coached youth hockey for many years. He was a long time backer of Wisconsin Badger Hockey.

Jerry was a generous and selfless man who lived his life quietly engaging in acts of kindness, He loved spending time with his family and friends. His favorite hobby was going out to dinner and telling stories ("Stop me if you've heard this one."). The many years and countless memories spent at the cottage in Spring Green with the Schantz family, and at the family cottage at Big Powerderhorn Mountain in the UP, the many trips to Panama City and Destin, FL are truly priceless. He and Jean always opened their home to others. From Badger hockey players, to foreign exchange students, a Vietnamese refugee family, to name a few, all were welcome.

Jerry is survived by his wife Jean; children Lisa Heinrichs, Beth (Matt) Sevenz, Tony (Lori) Heinrichs, and Amy (Mark, "Greenie") Greenhalgh; grandchildren Zachary, Mark and Natasha Zanoya; Alexandra and Jake Sevenz; Anthony and Julia Heinrichs and Drew, Ella and Maria Greenhalgh all of Madison. He is further survived by his cousins Sharon (Dave) Hanson of Watertown, WI and Sheila (Robert, Jr.) Bickes of Albuquerque, NM, along with all of Jean's extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 PM on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705 with a prayer vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue from 3-4:45 PM on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2121 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI 53726 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 5:00 PM. Fr. Andrew McAlpin, O.P. Fr. James Marchionda, O.P., and Fr. Patrick Norris, O.P. will be presiding. Private burial will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison.

In lieu of flowers donations can made to: Badger Honor Flight, Edgewood High School, The Jingles O'Brien Youth Hockey Scholarship Fund 2821, or Young Life Verona.

Until we meet again, dear husband, dad, bumpa, and friend "chop, chop".

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406