Charles E. Heinzen, age 84, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born December 20, 1940, in Manitowoc to Norbert and Ida (Brandl) Heinzen, Charlie grew up on the family farm and attended St. Joseph’s Alverno Catholic grade school.
After graduating from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1958, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1961. Upon returning home, Charlie worked as an auto mechanic at Larsen Chevrolet in Valders. Charlie’s cousin introduced him to his girlfriend’s sister, Bonnie Sue Ploeckelman. She became the love of his life. They married on April 25, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alverno. Together, they built a beautiful life together, raising four children while running the Heinzen family farm in Manitowoc Rapids for 31 years.
Charlie never stopped learning. In 1996, he earned an associate degree in computer technology repair from LTC and began a second career with Modern Business Machines of Appleton. He enjoyed meeting new people and solving tech problems across Manitowoc County. After retiring, he continued serving his community as a custodian at his home parish, St. Thomas the Apostle in Newton.
Charlie was a man of deep faith, strong values, and endless generosity. He was proud of his Marine Corps service and remained active with Manitowoc AMVETS Post #99. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Charlie transitioned from running to biking and working out at Planet Fitness, where he loved chatting with fellow veterans. He had a love for animals and was a loyal fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Heinzen of Manitowoc; their children and grandchildren: Deborah (Len) Rentmeester of Green Bay and their sons Sam, Josh, and Caleb; Carolyn (Keith) Gauthier of Newton and their children Noah (Emilee) Gauthier and daughters Laken Grace and Karsyn Ann, Leah Gauthier, and Danielle Gauthier; Katherine (Ryan) Eiden of Stevens Point and their children Adam, Luke, and Hannah; Joseph (Dr. Angie Madden-Heinzen) Heinzen of Manitowoc and their children Anna and Benjamin. He is also survived by his brothers Bill (Judy), Jerry (Gloria), Gene, and Tony Heinzen, all of Manitowoc; sister Grace Fierst of Green Bay; and in-laws Alice (Ken) Kohlmann, Bill (Cheryl) Ploeckelman, and Kent Holschbach, all of Manitowoc. Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will miss him dearly. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Walter and Sylvia Ploeckelman; brother-in-law Marvin Fierst; and sister-in-law Pattee Holschbach.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, with Rev. David Baudry officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Burial will follow in the parish cemetery, with military honors provided by AMVETS Post #99. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com. The Heinzen family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Medical Center and Sharon Richardson Hospice for their compassionate care during Charlie’s illness.
