Janie was born in Pierce, Colorado to David and Emilie Heinze (Gerringer) on October 30, 1935. She graduated from Galeton High School in 1953. Janie attended Central Business College in Denver, Colorado from June 1953 until her graduation in May, 1954.
She married Kenneth “Kenny” Printz on February 3, 1956 in Eaton, Colorado. Kenny and Janie had their 65th wedding anniversary one day prior to Janie’s passing. Janie worked as a program assistant at the University of Northern Colorado from 1972 to 2000. She enjoyed and relished all 28 years of her work at the university and made many lifelong friends.
She was a founding member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in LaSalle, Colorado where she volunteered many hours making noodles, butter balls, etc. Her faith was important to her always. Janie loved to read and take walks and spend time with her grandkids and family. She spent many hours crocheting afghans for family members and donated numerous baby blankets to charity. Janie was above all else gracious and caring.
Janie lived in various places in Weld County from the time of her birth until she and Kenny moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2002. They then returned to the Greeley area in 2014 to be closer to family and friends.
Janie is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Edward, Manuel and David Heinze. Janie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Kenny Printz, three sons, Thomas Printz of Wiggins, Colorado, Mark Printz of Greeley, Colorado and Scott Printz of Middletown, Ohio. She is also survived by one daughter, Marcea Eckhardt of Plymouth, New Hampshire. She is survived by two grandsons, Matthew Printz ''Emily'' of Bozeman, Montana and Andrew Eckhardt of Longmont, Colorado; two granddaughters Amanda Watts (Jade) of Middletown, Ohio and Mikhaila Eckhardt ''Neil'' of Haydenville, Massachusetts. Janie also has four great granddaughters: Addie Belcher, Harper and Layla Printz, and Willow Watts and one great-grandson Levi Watts. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in LaSalle, Colorado.
The family of Mary Jane Printz wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Drs. Ruckman and Austin, Casemanagers Linda and Lucky and the many nurses who cared for her at UC Health - Greeley: Arianna, Amanda, Becky, Tiphanie, Sydney, Toni, Brandon…and so many others! The family would also like to thank Pastor Wendy Kalan and Chaplain Charlie (UC Health) for their uplifting words and prayers.
