Daniel Richard Heintz

Daniel Richard Heintz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2024, surrounded by his wife Bette and three of their children at the V.A. Hospice Center in Boise, Idaho. He was 98 years old. Dan was born to Anthony and Martha Heintz on September 9th, 1925, and was the youngest of five children. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Bette” Novotny at a dance in Michigan City in 1947. The pair quickly fell in love and married July 3rd, 1948, in an intimate ceremony at St. Emeric’s Catholic Church in Gary. And over the next decade, they were blessed with four strong-willed children: Darryl, Debbie, Danny, and Dale. Dan served his country during World War II from 1943-1946. He was assigned as 3rd Class Petty Officer Cook in the Navy. After his ship was attacked, he went from ship’s cook to gunner’s mate. He fought in the Battle of Morotai, Mindoro, Leyte Gulf, and several other islands in the Philippines and Asia. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, three Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Victory Medal. After the war, Dan went on to work for Budd Company and Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) Railroad until his retirement in 1987. Dan is survived by his selfless, beautiful wife of 75 years, Bette; their four children: Darryl Heintz, Debbie (Pat) Comerford, Daniel Heintz II, and Dale (Tammy) Heintz; nine of their grandchildren: Brian (Melissa) Comerford, Kevin Comerford, Kylie (Chad) Smith, Lindsey (Jon) Miller, Dale Heintz Jr., Jennifer (Adam) Duran, Michelle Heintz, Sabrina Heintz (Chris Vasquez), Daniel Heintz III; and fourteen great grandchildren: Kelsie, Alan, Marlie, Kellen, Cade, Collin, Declan, Connor, Emma, Reese, Brennan, Nolan, Christian, and Kai; and many nieces and nephews. Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Martha Heintz, siblings: Eddie Heintz, Lorraine (Lloyd) Clark, Eleanore (Ricky) Cappella, Mae (Pete) Olesek; daughter in law Kate Heintz; and three grandchildren: Aaron, Amy, and Joshua Heintz. Those who knew Dan will remember him for his great smile, great hair and charming wit, how much he enjoyed his big family, a good martini, and watching his favorite college football team, Notre Dame. And let’s not forget his legendary scrambled eggs with bacon and the joy he brought to his grandkids when serving up his tasty ice cream floats. But most of all, he will be remembered for how much he loved and adored his Bette! A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Inurnment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com

Daniel Richard Heintz

September 9, 1925 - February 7, 2024