Harold George Heinecke was born March 19, 1916, in Fairfield Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of George H. and Pauline (Behlen) Heinecke. He was baptized on April 9, 1916 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township, and confirmed on April 13, 1930 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. Harold grew up on the family farm and attended country school. At the age of nine, Harold's family moved to Appleton, where he graduated from Appleton High School with the Class of 1935. He served his country overseas in the United States Army during World War II. On June 28, 1940, Harold was united in marriage to Muriel Jean Avelsgard at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Muriel passed away in April of 1984. Harold was married on November 23, 1989 to Vivian Christenson-Schroeder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. Harold owned and operated Heinecke Implement for over 62 years. He also enjoyed farming. Harold was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton and served as a Sunday School Teacher. He also served on the Regional Development Commission, the City Council, and 12 years on the School Board. He was one of the organizers of VFW Post No. 4955 in Appleton and was also a member of American Legion Post No. 359 in Milan. Among the things he enjoyed were fishing and traveling, spending several years going to Harlingen, Texas. Harold was called from this life on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the St. Cloud Hospital. He attained the age of 94 years, one month and four days. Harold is survived by his wife Vivian of Appleton; three children: Brent (Karen) Heinecke of Fenton, MI, Rolf (Lee) Heinecke of Appleton, and Nancy (Don) Thorson of Lake Park; six grandchildren: Christian Thorson, Stacy Nelson, Aaron Thorson, Kristina Johnston, James Heinecke, and Andrea Young; eight great grandchildren: Nicholas Nelson, Nathan Nelson, Jerad Nelson, Jordyn Nelson, Carson Young, Max Young, Carter Johnston, and Audrey Johnston; two step-children: Keith (Renate) Schroeder of Catawba, SC, and Richard (Vanessa) Schroeder of Granite Falls; ten step-grandchildren: Connie Rodriguez, Daniel Schroeder, Rhonda Peters, Jayme Jackson, Beth Fitcher, Heidi Kastner, Debbie Schroeder, Margaret Meade, Anita Carlson, and Betty Bakken; several step-great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Muriel; his parents George and Pauline; one brother Lester Heinecke, nephew Roger Heinecke; and step-grandson Mark Schroeder.