Joseph J. Heintzelman

Joseph J. Heintzelman, 77, of Ligonier, passed away on January 3, 2014 in Kendallville, IN. He was born on October 28, 1936 in Indian Village, IN to Joseph and Mae Heintzelman. He married Rosalie Stanger in Ligonier in 1957. She preceded him in death in May of 1991. He is survived by 2 sons, Rick (Lisa) Heintzelman of Ligonier, IN and Jim W. (Cynthia) Heintzelman of Downingtown, PA and a daughter, Vicky (Eric) Tierney of Wawaka, IN. 6 Grandchildren, Megan, Melissa, Alex, Lisa, Libbey and Shayne, and 1 great-grandson, Wesley, survive. A brother, Harvey (Pat) Heintzelman of Ligonier, IN also survives. Mr. Heintzelman’s companion of 20 years, Korean Holmes, also survives. Korean’s children and grandchildren, whom Joseph loved as his own, also survive: Charlotte Louise Clark and Joyce Court; 2 grandchildren, Chvonne and Tefawn, and 6 great-grandchildren, Roman, Rylea, Skyann, Nick, Kaelin and Koyashia. He leaves behind one other faithful companion, his dog, Jack. Joseph was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Heintzelman. 5 Sisters and 2 brothers have also preceded him in death. Mr. Heintzelman had a variety of occupations, including truck driving and working in factories in the RV and manufactured housing industries. After his retirement from Carriage, Inc. in Millersburg, he returned to his roots of farming. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping as well as reading western novels. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watch them in their various activities and sporting events. He never knew a stranger and loved a good conversation, and recently referred to himself as a “talk-aholic”. A time of visitation with the family will be from 4-8 P.M. on Friday January 10, 2014 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767, as well as an hour before the service on Saturday A funeral service in his honor will be on Saturday January 11, 2014 at 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Pastor Joey Nelson with Stone’s Hill Community Church will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Merry Lea Environmental Center 2388 S. 500 West, Albion, IN 46701 to encourage kids to be outdoors and develop a love of nature.