Charles Richard Heinis, 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 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, daughter in law Kim Heinis of Comstock; 2 children not by blood but welcomed as family- a Son Travis (Kara) Lee of North Platte, NE, a daughter Lesley (Brian) Cunningham of Ogden, Utah. He also leaves behind a brother Terry (Anita) Heinis of Hastings, NE. Sisters Charlotte (Herb) Ruser of Ogallala, NE, 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 Heinis would like to give a very special thank you to the Staff at “The Maple at Centennial “ for the excellent care and support they provided.
Online condolences may be shared at www. drauckerfh.com
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29th , at the United Methodist Church, in Ogallala, with the Rev. Curt Magelky officiating. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 4:00 pm to 6:00 p.m., Friday, March 28th, at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala.
A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church in Ogallala. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors by the Keith County Veterans. Services will be live streamed from www.methodistchurchogallala.com and www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.