Patricia Heinz Obituary

Pete this is the second time I have done this lost the other entry before I sent it. Another thing you are such a good writer mine won't compare to yours. Do want to tell you again that Pat was such a special person and touched so many lifes I have a lot of memories of her still remember when she was born -- coming out to Co to visit the two of you. There is so much that I could say about her. Now I am so happy to have one of her belongs that Joanne brought back for me. Thank you so much for that. It was thru Pat that I met you and your family I am so thankful for that.
You will be in our thoughts & prayers.

Dear Pete, Pat, and family, After reading these entries, I am struck with awe by all of the people from all over the country (and other countries!) whose lives your family has touched in so many ways. Truly, if someone does not have a fond, loving memory of Pat, or Pete, or the children, it is because they have never met them! Surely someone who spent so much of her life being "Mom" to so many, never intended on leaving her own children early in life. None of us can understand why this has had to happen to Pat and your family. Through your sorrow, know that God has a plan. And know that your family and friends will always be here for you. I'm going to try to send some photos of some very special memories that we have! I hope they can bring a smile.

My name is Tiffany and I work at Penrose Hospital. I was one of the blessed people to be able to care for her. She was a very sweet woman. Ver yeasy going and very loving! I will miss seeing you Pat. I had grown very fond of seeing your smiling face despite all your pain. God bless you and may you rest in Gods loving arms forever. I will always remember you!

Oh My Gosh - Hi Pat,
This is SO difficult to talk to you on this site! You were such a good friend - such a "special confidant" over the years. I hated that we had a long distance friendship, but at the same time...the years had brought us so close in my eyes. Thank you for all of the support, the advise, the prayers, the wisdom you gave me in my times of sorrow, lonlieness and desparation. I never ever thought that this was where it was leading. Thank you for being my very good friend, my confidant, my escape. I so, so, so wish I could have done more of the same for you. I am going to be a bit "middle schoolish" and say BF/F...... I Miss you so much and I love you.

Pete:

I only knew your wife from her work with our local D 38 SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council). But immediately upon meeting Pat, and hearing her speak, you could tell how much she cared for the children---many of whom many would walk away from, and she exuded that care in the most tender, loving way possible. What a great woman you have enjoyed, Pete!

May God Bless you and your kids,

Pete,
My most heartfelt empathy to you and your family. I've been (and still am) where you are. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, I'm only a phone call (or email) away.

We will always remember Pat for her wonderful thoughts and company in her every day life. She was a wonderful friend and neighbour during our time in Colorado Springs and we had so much fun together at Happy Hours and much more. Pete you have always a wonderful wife with you and Laura, Josef and Brandan a wonderful Mother with you in your hearts

Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, we winter with the Wolfs and have been kept informed. We hope you can find peace in your memories. Her struggle has been an inspiration, what a beautiful spirit.
Pat Graves
Nancy Mueller

My thoughts are with the family and I know the grief as I lost my son 2 years ago to cancer. My prayers are going out for all of you, especially to Pat's Mom as she is a friend of mine here in Az. May God be with you.

i am so sorry to hear about the loss of Pat. It's still so hard to believe. But i will always remember what a sweet, gentle person she was. I remember when annabelle was still a baby and we visited your house and the only person annabelle would go to was Pat and pat just rocked her for an hour in the chair. I am so fond of that memory. I know she touched so many people and i pray you will find comfort during this very difficult time.

Dear Pete and Family
We were shocked and saddened to receive the news of Pat's passing. We have many wonderful memories of our years together at the Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dear Heinz Family,
We're so saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. Pat was such a kind and gentle spirit; quick to give of herself and a positive influence on all who were touched by her presence. Katie has many happy memories of Pat and the rest of her sponsor family during her time as a cadet at USAFA. Your home and family were always such a haven during many tumultuous times. May God comfort you now with memories of happier times. As you mourn your loss may you also celebrate Pat's beautiful life.

On behalf of all the parishioners of our 4-Parish cluster, i wish to express our sympathy and condolences to the Heinz Family as well as Joanne and Joe who are members of St. Adrian Cathoic Parish in Adrian MN. Joanne kept the "exercise" and "coffee" groups up to date on Pat's progress and we all felt we knew her personally. All of you will be kept in our thoughts and prayers. Pat Henning RN, Parish Nurse. Adrian, Minnesota.

Pete & Family:
No words can say what loss and pain you are feeling now since the death of Pat. She was a wonderful lady, she was "Mom" to Jon while he was at the Academy. I remember how gracious Pat and your family was to our family when Jon graduated and hosted his party. She was a angel, know that you and the kids are in my daily prayers. Be together as a family, it will truly get you through these tough times. God Bless all of you, please extend my sympathy to Joe and Joanne also.

Dear Pete and family,
How many lives Pat has touched in such a positive way! Pat and I first met when we were teaching together at the Rhein-Main Center for Exceptional Children...both of us young, idealistic, special education teachers who traveled to Germany for adventure. I knew Pat when she first met Pete, and almost immediately, she was smitten! What fun it was to be her friend during their courtship and then to celebrate their marriage in New Ulm. It was with great sadness that I learned of her cancer diagnosis, but what an incredible gift it was to be able to follow her journey through email. I read a passage this morning that reminded me so much of Pat..."she gently demonstrated that true joy and peace are more a matter of internal circumstance then external, that a deep and abiding confidence in God transcends our present doubts, and that family is the context in which we learn about love-- both giving and receiving." She endured these last months with such strength and grace and will always stand as an encouragement to those who knew and loved her.
My deepest sympathy to you and the family in your loss, but what a blessing to have loved and been loved by such a wonderful woman.

My dear pat--I hope you and Uncle Bob and your dad are having a good time together. You will be missed by all of us. But you are now at peace and will suffer no more.

Dear Heinz Family -
I was terribly shocked to see in the New Ulm Journal that Pat had died. I worked with her 30 or so years ago at MBW Company in our start up days. (I'm still there.) What I remember most is Pat's beautiful smile and her positive attitude. I was just a kid at the time and saw her as someone to emulate. Even though we didn't stay in touch, I certainly remember her. I can only imagine how sorely you will miss her. May many beautiful memories help you during the saddest moments. Jyneal McCrea

Laura, Eric and family,
We are deeply saddened by your great loss of your mother. I have read the other entries and deeply regret that we didn't have the opportunity to meet your mom. What a special lady! Reading other's memories and comments challenges me with the knowledge of the great opportunity I have to make a huge impact on the lives of those who cross my path. You are in our prayers.

Dear Heinz Family,
We are so sorry about pat,
it is still unreal and unbelievable.
it was a sad and yet beautiful funeral service today.
we will keep you in our prayers and if there is anything we can do to help please dont hesitate to ask.

To The Heinz Family:

What wonderful memories we have of being your next door neighbors on Picasso Court! We delighted in welcoming you to our new neighborhood, then in watching your family grow and flourish. Remembering all the time spent on your deck and our deck during the summer brings smiles to our faces... what happy times. Pat was one of the most down to earth, positive, upbeat women we knew. Even though she was a good 10 years younger than I, I always appreciated her kind words, counsel, observations. She and I shared our thoughts and experiences on being military wives, having husbands in the same department at the USAF Academy, raising kids, career aspirations - you name it! When Mike and I left Colorado Springs as he retired from the military, Pat and I shared a special lunch together....after all the parties and goodbye ceremonies, I wanted to spend one more afternoon with her because her friendship meant so much to me. Last year when we found out that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, Mike and I called to talk to Pat and Pete -though she was going through so much and was facing an ominous future, she gave me encouragement and hope when I told her I'd been successfully treated for cancer. I was speechless. What kindness, selflessness and generosity.

Pat isn't suffering any longer, she's with her Maker and at peace. God Bless her. We shall miss her, but her bright smile, kindness and generous spirit will always be with us.

Heinz Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy as you go through this difficult time. It is hard to think Pat is now with our Lord. Pat was a wonderful sponsor mom to me while I was a cadet and you all were my family for those challenging years, always giving me a place of peace. I am so thankful we could spend that little time together last summer during my PCS...The strength you showed knowing Pat had found out that very day. I will always cherish the time we spent together. Now lean on the strength of each other remembering all the wonderful memories. I miss you all and my prayers are with you. Love always...

OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU JOANNE AND TO PATS FAMILY. DID NOT KNOW PAT, ONLY THROUGH HER MOTHER JOANN, WE PRAYED MANY PRAYERS FOR HER , TO GET BETTER BUT GOD SAID HE WANTED OR NEEDED HER MORE THEN WE DID. I AM SURE SHE IS SAFE IN HIS HANDS WITHOUT ALL PAIN.

On behalf of the Memorial Health System Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Heinz family, upon Patricia’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you find comfort during this difficult time of loss. Sincerely, Patricia Peterson, President and CEO

Pete and family, what an honor it was for us to meet Pat. I know you'll miss her sweet smile and loving manner. We will be forever grateful to Pat and your family for making Nikki feel so welcome in your home during her AFA years. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Pat was such an inspiration to all of us during her long struggle! She faced each day with hope and optimism even when things were tough. Whenever I thought I was having a bad day, I just thought of Pat and her courage. Her faith was such a shining light. Pat was one of those angels that walked this earth doing incredible loving things for so many people. Now she has returned home to be amongst the angels who watch us from above. The family is not alone, her work will never end, she is with you still!! Take peace and happiness in believing in the power of faith! With loving thoughts to Pete and his family, may you seek strength in family. When my Mom died from cancer in Aug 07, Pete was a great help to me. Although I have moved, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I met Pat shortly after I was diagnosed with cancer. There is an old saying that a stone cast upon the water will send ripples out further and further into the water. That’s what Pat did for me. She cast that stone of “hope” out there for me. She cast that ripple on the water that reached out to me and let me know I was not alone. She offered me words of encouragement and strength as I underwent treatment. I am grateful to have known her and grateful that she’s with God now, in peace, and not having to fight unfair cancer any longer. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless.

To the Heinz family,

To know Pat was to know a warm smile and a cheerful word that would make your day. Take comfort in knowing that Pat, a kind and gracious lady, is at peace with our Lord.

Jill Crotty and Vance Forepaugh (Elbert, CO)

In 1978, my wife and I started MBW Company, serving people with developmental disabilities. Pat was an early employee and was instrumental in establishing and helping to achieve our mission of assisting people with disabilities achieve a good quality of life in the community.
As new business owners, we didn't always have all the answers, but Pat was there as an eager supporter, helping where she could and always remaining true to the mission and vision of the organization.
We haven't kept up regular contact in the successive years but that has not dimmed the warm feelings and debt that developed for all the ways she
contributed and assured quality supports provided to the clients she served.
Even before our MBW associations, Pat and I served on the Minnesota Board of the Council for Exceptional Children professional association. Her strong leadership skill set exemplified acumen far exceeding her age. She possessed a work ethic that stood out high above the norm.

In closing, it is too early to say goodbye to this champion. As much as we would like to...mortalities call is not a feature of life we can predict or control.
Pat was an extraordinary colleague, someone who showed us virtues to be emulated, for that we give thanks.
Blessed be her name.
With Love and Peace to those she leaves behind.
Mark (and Brenda) Wiger

Dear Pat,

We never met, but Pete shared with me how you were facing the stages of your courageous fight. I sent you the "What Cancer Cannot Do" I had kept since my mother's death. From all that Pete told me, you personified it. Please, Pat, send all of your strength to Pete and your family, for they are the ones hurting now. All prayers are with them!

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the spirit.

I will miss Pat and our exchanges of letters so very much. Through these many years, through moves, changes in our lives, from middle school years to college, marriage & family, we always had each other to write to. How amazing that a penpal correspondence when we were 12 lasted all these years. It is because Pat is such a very special person and we had a very unique relationship. My first ever plane trip I remember so well - it was to visit Pat in MN for 2 weeks when I was 16. What a fun vacation that was, that I have never forgotten. It was so awesome when Pat & her mom came for my wedding and what a surprise, such a welcome surprise too and I was so happy that Pat was a part of my wedding. Visiting Pat and family in Colorado in '99 was another wonderful visit. I only wish there had been more of those since then. Through the years we have not only exchanged letters, but also pictures, experiences with our families, children, our work at our schools. I loved going out to the mailbox and sitting down with one of Pat's letters & getting caught up. Then we switched to email for awhile but went back to the old-fashioned letters. I just cannot imagine not sending any more cards, postcards and letters. Pat, I have kept a poem you sent me many many years ago in every wallet I've ever owned "What made us friends in the long ago, when first we met? Well, I think I know; The best in me and the best in you, Hailed each other because they knew, That always and always since life began, Our being friends was part of God's plan." This poem will continue to stay in my wallet. I was blessed to have such a special friend to comfort, encourage and share so much with me for so many years. To Pete and family, may all your wonderful memories help to comfort you and ease some of the sadness of missing Pat. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind through all of you. It is so hard for those of us here without our loved ones, but knowing Pat is surrounded with angels and at peace is of comfort. May Pat's spirituality and love continue to give you peace, strength and encouragement for all the days ahead.

Dear Heinz Family,

Words cannot express my profound sorrow for the loss of Pat and my love and support for all of you. Pat was my surrogate mother when I was a cadet at the Air Force Academy the the Heinz Family was my support center as my sponsor family. I remember countless dinners and outings with the family. I remember all the love and the joy. I remember Pat going into labor with Brandon after I had spent the day with the family. What a wonderful time! You guys were there twelve years ago when I met my future husband, Dale, and were the first of my "family" to meet him. You will always be family to me. I know that Pat is now at peace with our Lord and will be watching over us always.

To the Heinz family,

Our hearts cannot begin to express the sorrow we feel of Pat's passing.
We have known and loved the Heinz family since 1992 when we first moved to the Springs.
Pat herself had been there to help me when my own mother died of lung cancer in 1995.
Through her e-mails this past year, she has been an inspiration to us all. Our prayers were daily, hoping she would be the one to beat all the odds.
We are at peace knowing she is safe and healthy and in the loving arms of God.
Our hearts and prayers are with the family knowing the sorrow they are going through.
She was a remarkable woman; someone that made this world a wonderful place and left us being better people for knowing her love and kindness.
May God hold you all, ever so close during this most difficult time.
Pat may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.

Our deepest sympathy,

Bob, Carol & Cole Simpson

Pat was an amazing woman who touched my life deeply. She was so upbeat and always had a smile on her face. Her love for life was evident and contagious. She is a true angel. I will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Pete and family,

I am Peg Kornacker's sister Barb. I had the priviledge of finally meeting both you and Pat at our neice's (Katie Roy and John Miller's) wedding at the AF Academy Chapel a couple summers ago. I was so happy to meet you because in my big sister's eyes you are truly part of our family. She loves you both! It was absolutely delightful to chat however briefly with you at that time. I am an elementary school teacher and am so impressed with the kind of work Pat did with special needs children. It takes a very special person to be good at that and she has my admiration! You are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your great loss.

To All of the Family,

Pat, I know you are always with your family. They will know it too.
Having raised my two special needs children, I know how special Pat's work was. It lives on in the lives of those she helped. I know you are an angel, Pat, for these special needs people. Thank you for all you did for them and for looking out for them now. Pete and family - - - my prayers are with all of you.

Dear Pete and family,

Words are insufficient... thankfully, God's grace is sufficient to meet every need and more. With each update, we grew to admire Pat's tenacity and love for her family and her Savior more and more. Praying you feel God's ever present hand. "For we look not to that which is seen, but to that which is unseen; for that which is seen is temporary, while that which is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).

Words cannot begin to express how awesome Pat was. Her love, caring, and commitment were evident by looking at her in action in the class. Pat always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word for each and every child. I never heard her raise her voice or sound irritated. She was firm but gentle when she needed to discipline her students, and she made our son feel very special. Pat treated her students like they were capable little people, and they would rise to the occasion to show her that they were indeed capable. She was our son’s first teacher, and she has set the bar very high. Our son learned to love school and he especially loved his teacher, Mrs. Heinz. She was an exceptional person who was caring, honest, genuine and creative, and I am very fortunate to have been able to call her my friend. Our deepest condolences to all of Pat's family. Pat will be greatly missed.

You have fought the good fight. May our Lord grant you a rest ,so richly deserved. We wish you LOVE & PEACE for all eternity.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I was blessed to meet Pat and Peter when Brandon and Alec played hockey together. Pat was an extraordinary kind person with a very gracious heart, she will be missed. Our prayers will be with your family.

Dear Pat,
We can't explain how much we will miss you! You have been such a wonderful friend and neighbor for so many years. We will watch over Laura and her Dolly horse and know that you will be riding along with us. We will look forward to our reunion with you in Heaven.

Love you,

Pat,

Your husband loved you profoundly. He is already missing you. Tell God to send a message to Pete that He is there for him. There is a grace that comes when a loved one is gone; I know this from experience.

Grace to you my friend, Pete; God knows your pain. He has his servants already prepared to help you along the way.

Just a Servant

Our heartfelt condolences to Pete and the entire family.

My family's prayers are for yours now. May God keep you in his loving arms through this day and all to come.

Hi Pat! When we came to Colorado to the Air Force Academy as the "German exchange officer and family" you and Pete made us feel welcome immediatly. Your friendship helped us to adjust to a different military system and meant a lot to Hermann, Martina and me. We shared lovely family meals outings with the kids (Martina still remembers "the North Pole" X-Mas in the middle of the summer,where you took us) and our love for books and quilting.
I had the cancer experience years before you, but I survived, wich I so much hoped and prayed for you to happen too.
It is so sad that you had to give up, after so much bravery and fighting and still keeping your good spirits. But it is an old" German saying: "God is taking those people whom he loves. " We all will miss you very much, but we know you are in a good place now, from where you still will watch out for us. We love you, Karin, Martina and Hermann

Our sincere sympathy to the family

Dear Pat,
How will we get through this without you? You were our inspiration and our hope. You kept us going when we were scared. Please watch over us as we fight this battle here on earth. We miss you.

Our bet is still on...but will make it good when we meet in Heaven!! Love ya Pat!

Dear Pete & Family,

I don't know how to thank you. You were kind enough to become my daughter's sponsor family while she attended the AF Academy starting in 1992 - Jennifer (Kornacker) Riedel. You made a huge difference in her life, and welcomed me with open arms when I could come to visit, and I was so appreciative I could stay at your lovely home. Pat was always uplifting and encouraging, and we laughed a great deal together during those years. Her courage and faith was unbelievable. Thank you too for keeping us informed with the "Pat Updates." She touched my life in so many ways. Thanks Pat for all that you have done. Pete, you are an amazing man. I will never forget you and your family.

Love and blessings,

Dear Pat,
My fondest memory of you is when Mike and I returned from our honeymoon in Germany, and we were so excited to go visit with you and Pete about our experience there. You and Pete gave us the greatest spots to visit while we were there, and we couldn’t wait to share our pictures with you. I always have thought of you as a perfect woman to emulate in the military… the unfailing wife who supports her husband and raises great children no matter how often her husband is deployed or the places she is forced to move to. You made the best of every situation, and you did so with a smile. I’ll always remember your smile and how thankful I am to have met you and your family. Life isn’t fair, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. You were the best of people, and my only consolation now is that you’re with God and not hurting and not having to fight so hard against an unfair cancer. So many people miss you, and I’m just one of the many on that list.
Thank you for your ever-present kindness and smile.

I first met Pat (and Pete) when my son Daniel entered the Air Force Academy. Pat was Dan's sponsor 'mom'. As soon as I met the Heinz family, I knew Dan was in good hands. Pat was so kind, thoughtful and caring to us when we visited Dan. Her beaming smile said it all. Thank you Pat for taking care of my son, and helping shape his life in such a wonderful way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Pat was an amazing person and a gift from God to all who knew her. She will be missed by all. I will keep her whole family in my thoughts and prayers. You now have the best angel in heaven looking out for you.