Robert J. Heinz

Robert passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Bay Special Care with his family by his side at the age of 94. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on June 3, 1927 to the late Ferdinand and Christina (Welker) Heinz. Robert was an amazing athlete and coach. He graduated from Central High in 1947 with six varsity and three junior varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. In 1946 he led the team in scoring during football. After spending a year in the Navy during World War II, Robert joined the Bay City All-Stars semipro football team. Around this time, he began his coaching career, he coached Valley Parochial League football, basketball and baseball for 20 years. Robert was inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame and also served on the board for the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame for many years.
After High school, Robert worked for Bay City Autolite, he then worked for Dow Chemical before he began his own real estate business known as Heinz Lifetime Realty which he operated for many years until his retirement. Robert was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church who was very dedicated to his faith. Robert and his wife Mary, enjoyed their daily prayer together. He was well loved by everyone and never met a stranger.
Robert is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary (Gromaski-Nagy) Heinz; six children, Bobbie Jean (Heinz) Bragg, Becky Jo (Heinz) Schumacher, Robert (Mary) Nagy, Roger (Vickie) Nagy, Mary Jo (Kim) Pilditch and Michelle Oberle (James Thume); twelve grandchildren, Tiffiny (Fiance, Randy Barber) Bragg, Katie (Scott) Walsh, Kayla (Ryan) Martin, Andrew (Katie) Nagy, Allison (Tyler) Vosbury, Stephanie Simmons, Jason (Kelly) Nagy, Chad (Martha) Nagy, Nicole Pilditch, Robert Pilditch and Tracy (Matt) DesRochers; eighteen great-grandchildren; special friends, David (Pam) Simon and their children, Brandon and Elizabeth; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Joan (Thompson) Heinz; son-in-law, David John Bragg; nine siblings, Rose, Adam, Jake, Edward, Adolph, Mary, Amelia, Gatra and Edmund.
Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Kevin Jones. Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council following the service. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to wishes of the family.