Gary J. Heinz , age 85, of Swan River, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Alabama with family by his side.

Gary was born July 10, 1939, the youngest child of Joseph and Violet "Doris" Heinz.  He grew up in St. Paul, graduating from Cretin High School in 1957, and later joined the Army National Guard. On August 8, 1964, Gary and Anne Ferguson were united in marriage and together they raised five children at their home in St. Paul.

Following his retirement from Northern States Power (XCel Energy) in 1998, Gary and Anne relocated to their cabin in Swan River, which they spent the next many years remodeling into their dream home. Gary and Anne especially enjoyed celebrating the Christmas and the Fourth of July holidays at their new home, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.  They treasured their time spent traveling and enjoyed many winters together in Gulf Shores.  Gary will be remembered for his grand fireworks displays, summer Easter Egg hunts, and spectacular memories and stories.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Doris; wife, Anne in 2015, and sister, Valerie Whitehead.  He is survived by his sister, Diane Moberg; sons, Joseph (Misty) Heinz of Swan River, MN; Michael (Emilie) Heinz of Plymouth, MN; Christopher (Michelle) Heinz of Lino Lakes, MN; Thomas (Erin) Heinz of Oakdale, MN; daughter, Carol (Dan) Gerlach of Woodbury, MN.  Gary is also survived by his twelve grandchildren; John Heinz, Joelle Heinz, James Heinz, Jacob "Jack" Heinz, Michael Heinz, Rachel Heinz, Allison Heinz, Savanna Gerlach, Sam Gerlach, Aurelia Heinz, Marshall "Mark" Heinz and Christopher Heinz; and his close friend Judy Moore of Craft Farms, AL.

A visitation will be held Monday, March 24, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN, beginning at 10:00 AM lasting until the at 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be at Sago Cemetery.