Obituary of Irene Lydia Louise Heinlein

Irene Lydia Louise Heinlein, age 94, of Vassar, died Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro. The funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville. Pastor Wesley Gillaspie officiating with burial to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Irene’s family will be present at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar, to receive friends on Monday from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, Irene will be taken to the church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to St. Michael's Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.

Irene was born March 13, 1923, in Frankenmuth, she is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Martin and Agnes (Schluckebier) Bickel. She married Clarence Heinlein on March 22, 1941, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Sadly, he preceded her in death on January 28, 1998. She worked as a cook for many years for St. Michaels Lutheran School, until the 1960’s from there, Irene would keep herself busy working at Bavarian Inn, Diedrich Catering, and the Woolen Mill in Frankenmuth. In her free time, Irene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, baking pretzels, and butter horns, gardening, crocheting, and jigsaw puzzles. She made quilts for every family member, as well as the Lutheran World Relief.  

Left to cherish her memory are her three sons: Jerry and wife, Sue Heinlein, Bruce and wife, Lynette Heinlein, and Dale and wife, Vicki Heinlein, 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Doris and husband Walter Bauer, and many other family members, and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence, sister Elaine, and brother-in-law Floyd Hecht.

Irene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Tuscola County Medical Care Community for all their wonderful care.