Gerald P. Heitz, 67, of South Haven, formerly of Cape Coral, Fla., Shakopee, and Chaska died suddenly of a massive heart attack on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church, in South Haven with the Rev. Eric Marx officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, Thursday, at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Anthony Heitz and his girlfriend Sarah Reed of Kingston; daughter, Lori Jones and her husband Ryan of Annandale; granddaughter, Morgan Jones; sisters, Sandra Welter and her husband Willie, Jeannie Weekly and Patty Troll and her husband Dale; and brothers, Robert, Frank, Jeff, Pauly and Jim Heitz.
He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Rose Heitz.
Gerald Paul Heitz was born Sept. 2, 1947, in Shakopee to Paul and Rose (Unze) Heitz. He graduated from Shakopee High School and continued his education in the culinary arts. Jerry served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Picking.
On June 14, 1971, Jerry was united in marriage to Carol Luebke in Albert Lea. He worked for many years for Jerry’s Enterprises; during his employment he was the deli and restaurant manager at Jerry’s Foods in Sanibel Island, Fla., managed Minnesota Meat Masters in Annandale and catered events at Jerry’s Farm in Annandale. Jerry was a gourmet executive chef and catered many events. He earned numerous awards as a chef including several for his chili. He served on the Southside Township Board and was currently serving as the secretary of the board of directors at Kimball Golf Club. He enjoyed woodworking; making many awards and plaques in recognition of others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Jerry’s loves in life were making people smile, woodworking, golfing and his family.
Urn bearers: Anthony Heitz, Lori Jones, Ryan Jones and Morgan Jones.
Music: Marleigh Rumsey.
Military honors: Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard.