William "Bill" Heiny

William “Bill” David Heiny, age 63 of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, June 3, 2018 at his son’s home in Austin, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Bill was born May 27, 1955 in Lansing, Minnesota to James and Patricia (Omarro) Heiny. He attended school in Lansing and Austin High School. In 1972, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until his honorable discharge in 1974. After he got back from the service, Bill made his home in Austin, but was known to travel. His journey led him to Montana where he met Melodie Bacon, his best friend and true love. Their relationship was blessed with 3 children. While he was in Montana he drove truck for an oil rigging company and continued to drive truck for many years. Bill loved the outdoors, laying in the sun, and enjoyed artifact and rock hunting. He liked listening to music, everything and anything good, especially on National Public Radio. Bill liked to fengshui his space; he liked to tinker, watch racing, drink coffee and smoke cigarettes. He was a very social and popular person who especially loved the ladies, but most of all he loved everyone.  He loved to make those around him laugh and was known to brighten your mood if you were having a bad day. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his love Melodie Heiny of Wibaux, Montana; children Joshua Heiny of Austin, Minnesota, Jessalyn (Samuel) Thorpe of Austin, Minnesota, Savannah (Codi Percival) Heiny of Austin, Minnesota, son with “always late for dinner” Jan Hjelmen, Andy (Amber) Prange of Wells, Minnesota; grandchildren Zayda Thorpe, Liviya Thorpe, and Macy Thorpe; brothers Craig Heinz, James “Mike” (Maxine) Heiny, Jon Heiny all of Austin, Minnesota; sisters Debra Van Ravenhorst of Caledonia, Minnesota, Amy (Mark) Heiny of Debary, Florida; long-time friend and neighbor Tom Brewster, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends all over the country. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Patricia Heiny, brothers-in-law Jerry Van Ravenhorst; Alan Bacon; sister-in-law Carla Bacon; nephew David Schmidt; and many aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at Cedar City Cemetery in Austin on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Procession will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Military honors by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.