Charles Richard Heinis, age 83, a long-time resident of Ogallala and North Platte, passed away peacefully at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Charles was born March 5th, 1943, in Ottawa, Kansas, to the parents of Charlie (Ben) and Agnus (Harms) Heinis.
He attended and graduated from Wallace High School in 1961. Charles “Butch” “Chuck” Heinis met his soul mate, Connie Rae Heinis in 1960 at the roller-skating rink in Grant. Butch and Connie dated for four years. They were married on May 24, 1964, at the Ogallala United Methodist Church. Charles was in the Air Force, and they were stationed in Great Falls, Montana, and Austin, Texas. When Charles was discharged from the Air Force, they lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Everett, Washington, before settling in Ogden, Utah, in 1971, where he worked at Hill Air Force Base. Then moved back to Ogallala, Nebraska, and then to North Platte, Nebraska.
Charles worked at Hill Air Force Base for 32 years as an F-16 mechanic and later moved to the control room. While he was working at HAFB, he started his own business, Chuck’s Saw Filing. He continued this passion through his retirement. After he retired, he and Connie moved to Ogallala, NE, where he turned his business into his full-time hobby.
Charles was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease over 20 years ago. He never let that stop him from doing anything he wanted to do. Whether it be riding in a NASCAR, traveling, sharpening saws, bowling, working on cars, working with wood, gardening, and no one will ever forget his amazing paintings.
Charles lived life from his heart and was a proud Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. Just like his wife, he loved family, regardless if you were related by blood. He loved to have fun in life. He was always the first one to lend a hand or the first to crack a joke. He always made it a point to make sure everyone was included in his life.
Charles was welcomed to Heaven with golden wings by his wife Connie Heinis, parents, Ben and Agnus Heinis, mother and father-in-law, John and V. Wanaleen Preitauer; Brother, Benni Heinis; son-in-law, Shane Payne, and Grandsons, Kenny Lambertus and Candon John Heinis.
Charles is survived by; his son, Corban (Johanna) Heinis of North Platte; daughters, Carma Payne of Plain City, Utah, and Kaohu (Ko) Kanakaole of Ogden, Utah; 2 children not by blood but welcomed as family a Son Travis (Kara) Lee, a daughter Lesley (Brian) Cunningham. He also leaves behind a brother, Terry (Anita) Heinis of Hastings, NE. Sisters Charlotte (Herb) Ruser of Ogallala, NE, and Barbara (Lowell) Eleo of Mason City, NE. Several Nieces and Nephews.
22 grandchildren, Josh Houchin, Ashley Comeau, Kaelyn Sims, Rebecca (Junior) Godwin, Chelsi Howard, Natosha Jones, Chase Comeau, Coryann (Justin) Carey, Zachary Sims, Alexzandra (Logan) Booker, Ethan Jones, Marticka Davis, Arianna Simpson, KD "Little Bit" (Eric) Singleton, Sarah (Trevor) Pickard, Reggie Martinez, Tristan Karkruff, Josie (Jordan) White, Trevin Holbrook, Tanner Day, Elliana Deaver and Alliyah Deaver.
27 great-grandchildren, Damian Ramage, Shelbee Miller, Lucas Golden, Jaylin Houchin, Dominic Ramage, Ryleigh Howard, Nikoli Comeau, Rykam Godwin, Teagen Godwin, Xander Bornsen, Whatt Jones, Julian Vieyra, Kathlynn Godwin, Luca Wells, Cassian Pottorff, Emelia Pickard, Maddison Howard, Chase Comeau Jr, Bellamy Martinez, Paris Dean, Sawyer Singleton, Aubriella Martinez, Jericho Pickard, Kyson Carey, Monroe Booker Rowan Clark, and Skyler Singleton. Along with many nieces and Nephews.
The family of Charles Heinis would like to give a very special thank you to the Staff at “The Maple at Centennial” for their excellent care and support they have provided for our loved one.
Online condolences may be shared at drauckerfh.com. Funeral service is at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29th, at the United Methodist Church, Ogallala, with the Rev. Curt Magelky officiating. Interment is at the Ogallala Cemetery. Services will be live-streamed from www.methodistchurchogallala.com and www.drauckerfh.com. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with family greeting friends 4-6 p.m., Friday, March 28th, at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel, Ogallala.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Chuck Heinis, please visit our flower store.