Edward E. Heintzelman, 71, a life-long resident of Jefferson Twp., Whitley County, went home to be with the Lord, after a three-year battle with cancer, on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

He started life on May 7, 1949, in Dunfee, Indiana, a son of the late Ross V. and Charleene M. (Kaufman) Heintzelman.  He completed elementary school at Jefferson Center School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1967.

Joining the U.S. Army, he became an armored personnel carrier operator and served in Germany. He attained the rank of spec 5. After his discharge he returned to Jefferson Twp.

On September 21, 1983, he married Rozena M. Brake.

For 39 years he worked with heavy equipment in excavating business with Star Excavating, Bippus.  He retired as a foreman.

A man of few words, he enjoyed quiet time, especially at the end of a long workday.  Always in a good mood, he readily assisted his family and friends with a helping hand. He liked college sports, especially IU Basketball.  As a member of the 1967 State Champion Columbia City Baseball Team, he was good at playing baseball.

For many years, he made an annual hunting trip to Wyoming with family and friends where he would spend weeks in the back country enjoying nature and hunting game.

He is survived by his wife, Rozena; a daughter, Tracy Baral of Fremont; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a brother, Larry (Kathy) Heintzelman of Ada, MI and a sister, Joyce (Eric) Houser of Larwill.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a step-son, Gregory Brake; a brother, Richard Heintzelman; a son-in-law, Don E. Baral, Jr. and a grandson, Travis Brake.

Per Ed's wishes, there will be no services.  Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Ed's honor are to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.