Connie R. (Preitauer) Heinis

Connie Rea Heinis, 79, a longtime Ogallala resident, passed away at Azria Health Centennial Park in North Platte, Nebraska on Monday, February 13,2023 surrounded by her loving family. For the last 10 years Connie fought a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Connie never missed a moment to smile, giggle, or joke with every stranger that quickly became a friend. Connie was the brightest light and the quickest to let you know when you messed up. Her family is comforted to know that she is in the arms of Jesus.

Connie was Born on May 17, 1943 the only child of John and V. Wanaleen (Cunningham) Preitauer at Ogallala. She attended school and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1961. Connie met her soul mate, Charles (Butch) Richard Heinis in 1960 at the roller-skating rink in Grant Nebraska. Butch and Connie dated for 4 years, and in these later years Connie was very proud to let everyone know that they did not live together before they were married at the Ogallala United Methodist Church on May 24, 1964. Charles was in the Air force, they were stationed in Great Falls, Montana, and Austin, Texas. When Charles was discharged from the Airforce they lived in Tulsa Oklahoma, Everett Washington and settled in Ogden Utah in 1971. To this union Charles and Connie welcomed a son, Corban Richard Heinis, Daughter, Carma Renea (Heinis) Payne and in 1984 a neighborhood girl quickly became an adopted daughter Kaohu Kanakaole (Ko).Connie found her life’s work helping troubled kids, at Mound Fort Middle School where she helped countless wayward youth find their way. Connie’s favorite saying was “These kids are not bad kids they just made bad choices.”

Connie was the Registration Coordinator for the 12th armored division reunion and a board member for the 12th armored division museum in Abeline Texas.

Connie served on the Keith County Civil Service Commission, and Keith County cemetery board for many years.

Connie had a love of bowling and Soccer, she coached, AYSO, little league, and special Olympics. Connie was a wonderful cook she was known to show her love for you over a big plate of her famous cream cheese roll ups.

In 2001 Charles and Connie retired and moved back to Ogallala to care for Connie’s dad until he passed away. Connie continued her father’s cleaning job, at Adams Bank and Trust until 2019.

Connie will be remembered for her heart of gold, her never-ending willingness to help those in need, her bright smile, her contagious laugh, and her unwavering optimism.

Connie is survived by the love of her life and husband of 58-year Charles Heinis of North Platte, Son Corban (Johanna) Heinis of North Platte, Ne; Daughter Carma (Shane) Payne of Plain City, Utah; Daughter Kaohu Kanakaole (Ko) of Ogden, UT.

23 Grandchildren, Josh Houchin, Ashley Comeau, Kaelyn Sims, Rebecca (Junior) Godwin, Chelsi Howard, Natosha Jones, Chase Comeau, Coryann (Justin) Carey, Zachary Sims, Alexzandra (Logan) Booker, Curtis Mckean, 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, Alliyah Deaver.

26 Great Grand Children, 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

Connie was welcomed to Heaven with Golden Wings by her parents John and V. Wanaleen Preitauer, Mother and Father-in-law Ben and Agnus Heinis, Grandson Kenny Lambertus, Grandson Candon John Heinis.

Visitation will be Friday, February 17, 2023 at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel from 9am-6pm and family will greet friends from 4pm-6pm. 

Funeral Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Ogallala Nebraska on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00am with Reverend Curt Magelky officiating, interment will be at Ogallala Cemetery, Ogallala, Nebraska.

  Memorials have been established in her memory. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com and by clicking the share a memory button.  Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com

Draucker Funeral home has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.