Kenneth L. Heinzen

Kenneth L. Heinzen, age 83, of Farragut, Tennessee passed away Sunday evening, August 28, 2011 at Cedar Cove in Cedarville, Michigan. Kenneth was born August 31, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Eugene and Marjorie (Hackert) Heinzen. Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on September 1, 1945 and retired on September 1, 1975 after dedicating 30 years. The ships he served on were the USCGC Mesquite, Buttonwood, McClane, and Yamacraw. Kenneth served in "Operational Communications", and during his career he commanded Coast Guard Radio Stations at Ketchikan, Alaska, Long Beach, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned the following medals and citations: Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Stars; World War II Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star; Coast Guard Achievement Medal; Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation; Coast Guard Expert Pistol Medal; and Coast Guard Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon. He called Michigan his home of record, and his cabin in Kelden was his mansion. While stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, he met and married the former Madeline LaJoie on February 19, 1949 and celebrated 62 years of marriage. Kenneth is survived by his wife: Madeline; son: Gary (Marianne) Heinzen; and daughter: Renee' (Joseph Gross) Heinzen; four granddaughters: Jessica and Mallory Heinzen, Kelsey and Cody Gross; and one great-grandson: Joshua Borgos. Kenneth is also survived by a brother: Darrell (Arline) Heinzen; four great brothers-in-law: Raymond (Mary Lou) LaJoie, Frenchie LaJoie, Elmer (Judy) LaJoie, Bernie (Ruth) LaJoie; and many nieces and nephews. One special nephew: Brent LaJoie. Kenneth has been cremated and a Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 2, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Barbeau with Brother John Hascall officiating. Friends may call at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the Mass. His cremated remains will be entombed in the columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Road to Recovery.

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Kenneth L. Heinzen

August 31, 1927 - August 28, 2011