Gary James Heintz , Age 78


April 10, 1946 --February 25, 2025

Gary J. Heintz, age 78, of Baraboo, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital with family by his side. 

Gary was born to Leo and Marjorie (Kerska) Heintz on April 10, 1946 in Norwalk, WI. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1964.  He answered the call to his country by serving in the Army from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1967. Gary spent his 50 year career working in the Tree trimming industry; starting as a grounds man and working his way up to General Forman.  

In his free time, Gary enjoyed fishing for Muskies and riding his Harleys.

He is survived by his daughters, Tina (Kerry) Roberts of Rhinelander, WI, and Angela (Damon) O’Neill of Bonduel, WI; son, Nathan Sutherland of Coon Rapids, MN; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; fiancé, Sharon Crahen of Baraboo, WI, and her family; sisters, Judy Velazquez and Loree Rezaie; special niece, Norine Jones; and many other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janet; brothers, Alan, Steve, and Doug; and sister, Virginia.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Military Honors performed by Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard and will be held at the funeral home following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to our local Baraboo VFW.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at William. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital for their wonderful care. 



Condolences

Canyon February 26, 2025

Grandson Rice lake , Wisconsin

My grandfather was an amazing man, ever since I could remember we fished, one time I’ll never forget was my elementary school fishing trip with him, caught little to no fish but he made the best out of it and brought me to a better spot the night of that same day, we caught just over a dozen of fish. He was an amazing person and nothing short of it

Norine Jones February 26, 2025

Niece Sparta , Wisconsin

Uncle Gary was the best Uncle a girl could ever have. My 1st memories of him were of his ginormous muscles (I was just a little kid). I loved his hugs! They were good hugs, not a wimpy hug, and smell good….dang he always smelled so good! I will miss our talks we used to have. Heaven got one of the best! Ride free Uncle Gary and catch a big Muskie with Dad! I love you and will miss you!

J Jacobs February 27, 2025

Family Friend Phillips , Wisconsin

Gary was quite a man he drove my school bus when I was a kid, I remember sitting with his kids Dawn, Jimmy, and Angie. He never let get away with anything. LOL Later I met his daughter Sara and son nate even though he was not driving our bus anymore he still held the iron fist. Heres to you Mr. Heintz you really were a bad A$$! Thanks for keeping me in line and talking fishing with me. Rest in peace

Dawn February 27, 2025

Daughter Bradenton , Florida

I want to take a moment to remember my father, who has recently passed away. Despite the difficulties we faced in our relationship, I attribute much of my hard work and strong work ethic to him. He instilled in me a love for fishing and motorcycles, passions that continue to bring me joy. We may not be mentioned in his obituary, but he has two additional daughters, Dawn (myself) and Sarah, along with a son, James. It’s important to recognize that, regardless of our circumstances, he played a significant role in our lives. He may no longer be with us, but he is certainly not forgotten. His influence will always remain a part of who we are.

Angela Larsen March 02, 2025

Neice Eugene , Oregon

We never got to meet in person, but I did get to talk with you on the phone. You were my uncle, and Alan was my father. We both had a love of Harleys, and I hoped that I would meet you in person one day! Well, I will meet you in Harley heaven when the time comes...peace be the journey. Love Angela

Steve Mangert Sr March 03, 2025

Friend Phillips , Wisconsin

Although Gary and I Only met Maybe five years ago when He hired hired Louie and I too work on his Boiler I could see immediately that Gary with a good man with a good soul,. I had been Riding with his boy Jimmy sometime before meeting Gary, I started telling Jim about a boiler job I did up on Solberg Lake Jimmy said that was you? Gary's my dad and he told me about you, you overheard you talking to your wife and he thanked me for taking good care of Gary on that job. Then I got to see Gary at Club barbecues Etc. I felt an immediate connection, I know a good man when I meet him, Gary was as good as they come. He loved his fiance and best friend Sharon who stood by his side through all of it, I know how grateful he was to have Sharon's love , he loved his family, he loved life. I wish I could have spent more time just hanging out, Gary you will be missed! Godspeed my friend we will hang out when I get there, late as usual

MIKE BROWN March 15, 2025

Nephew Safety Harbor , Florida

Memories of Uncle Gary. There are many, but the most cherished was the excitement in his eyes whenever we arrived to visit. Whether it was swimming in the pool back in Illinois, or cruising under the bridge in Lake Solberg, adventures always awaited us. Let’s not forget his BBQ mastery with that giant metal grate over the open fire pit! Rest in peace Uncle Gary, thanks for so many great memories! You will be missed by so many!