Norman Frank Heinzen

Norman Frank Heinzen, 94, of Bolivar, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2019.

Norman was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on December 31, 1924 and moved to Bolivar, TN in February 1971. He worked for Armour (Armira) Leather Company in Sheboygan since 1946, and retired as plant manager at Armira Company in Bolivar which closed its doors in November of 1987. He was well respected and liked by the people he worked with over the years.

Norman was the son of the late Herbert and Martha Heinzen. He was married to Doris Thiel Heinzen in 1946 and remained with her until her death in July 1990. He is survived by his nine children, David Heinzen (Judy) of Dadeville, AL; Alan Heinzen (Sue) of Sheboygan, WI, Diane Suhrke (Roger) of De Pere, WI, Mary Heinzen of Bolivar, Joan Martin (Tom) of Collierville, Gail Kessler (Fred) of Bolivar, Jim Heinzen of Tampa, FL, Angie Hurley (Marvin) of Collierville and Brian Heinzen of Collierville, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and two brothers, Richard and Donald Heinzen.

Norman Heinzen was a Marine who served in World War II from 1942-45. He was stationed aboard the USS New Mexico naval ship. He primarily served in the South Pacific and survived a kamikaze attack on the ship where 65 servicemen were killed. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant when the war ended.

Norman was a handy and self-sufficient man who enjoyed woodworking, plumbing, electrical and automotive work. He was also a good cook, housekeeper and gardener.

He was very active with St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bolivar. He served many years as the Pastoral Council President. He was a Scripture Lector and Eucharist Minister over the years. He was a former member of the Catholic Charities' Jackson Deanery Development Committee.

Norman was a former volunteer and administrator of the Loaves and Fishes Organization in Hardeman County. He also served as a Precinct Officer for the Hardeman County Election Commission. He was a lifelong blood donor.

Norman loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed his 'grandchildren' and 'great grandchildren' the past 10 years. He was known as a man of integrity and a hard worker. He genuinely cared for his family, church members and those he worked with over the years. He will be remembered with love and respect by all those who knew him. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to the Loaves and Fishes or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bolivar.