Ernest L. Heinrich

Ernest LeRoy Heinrich, the son of Sophia (Johnson) and John Heinrich, was born June 6, 1917 north of Campbell, Nebraska. He departed this life on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud at the age of 94 years, 10 months and 6 days.

Ernest received his formal education and graduated from the Campbell High School. He worked for a period of time with the CCC in Webster and Nuckolls counties. Looking for work, Ernest jumped the train and traveled to Idaho and Washington where he worked the orchards and potato fields. He returned to Nebraska and on April 18, 1940 he was united in marriage with Charlotte Patsy Shineman at her parent's home north of Riverton. Together they farmed in the Riverton area until 1944, when they moved northwest of Red Cloud where they had a farming-dairy operation and were faithful stewards of the land. In 1977, they retired and in 1990, moved into Red Cloud to make their home. Together the created the Heinrich Scholarship Fund and annually awarded financial assistance for those entering the agriculture/healthcare fields.

Ernest and Charlotte enjoyed traveling and camping, and were members of the Republican Valley Sod Busters. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Men's Church Choir. Ernest possessed of numbers of interests including fishing, hunting and woodworking. He made a boat in his shop, which was enjoyed by family and friends fishing and skiing. His personality was pervaded by his strong faith, his sincere interests in others welfare and a strong work ethic and sense of honesty.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Charlotte, on September 30, 2003; and three sisters, Marjorie Bokern, Dorothy Davidson and Madeline Mahlock.

Left to treasure his memory are his daughter, Shannon Piel and husband Gene of Red Cloud; sons LeRoy Heinrich and wife Marcia of Kenai, Alaska and Neil Heinrich and wife Debbie of Rimrock, Arizona; 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; a brother, Ray Heinrich and wife Viola of Roseland, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., April 17, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Joel Rathbun officiating. Interment was at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established by the family.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970

Ph: 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com