Eugene Heinzen, a lifelong Manitowoc resident, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026 at Sylvan Crossings Assisted Living facility where he had been a resident for the past three years.

Gene was born January 8, 1944 to Norbert and Ida (Brandl) Heinzen. Gene attended local schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1962.

Gene proudly served his country, enlisting in the Army after high school. Gene was honorably discharged in July of 1965, serving in the 3rd Army Division, earning commendation as an Expert Rifle Marksman and training as a tractor and scraper operator.

Upon returning to Manitowoc, Gene worked for the Manitowoc County Highway Department for 44 years until his retirement in 2009. Gene was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of the Green Bay Packers, attending many games as a member of the Packer Champions Fan Club. Gene was a proud member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting, camping, and helping out on the family farm.

Gene also enjoyed participating in the Manitowoc Whitewater rafting races for many years with his cousin, John Klingeisen. Gene was an avid reader, particularly of the Manitowoc Herald Times. He was a member of numerous social clubs in the area and also a longtime member of the St. Francis of Assisi parish.

Gene was kind, generous, and a salt of the earth person who will be missed by his family and friends. Gene is survived by brothers Bill (Judy) Heinzen, Jerry (Gloria) Heinzen, Tony Heinzen and one sister, Grace Fierst, and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Heinzen. Gene is alsosurvived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charlie Heinzen, and brother-in-law, Marv Fierst.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.noon at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Chaplain Gina Struensee. Burial will follow at Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Town of Kossuth, where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 88 of Manitowoc. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water Street, Manitowoc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gene’s name to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 1551 N. 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 or online at: https://www.lakeshorehumane.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Heinzen family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Sylvan Crossings and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care for Gene.