Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather,
husband, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021, in
Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 98.
Heinz was born in Fischhausen, East Prussia on December 13, 1923, to Julius
Sawatzki and Augusta Heinrich. Heinz was a twin, and her name was Christel. They
were the youngest of five children. He had 3 older brothers: Fritz, Otto, and Frank.
Heinz had a wonderful childhood as he had the opportunity to learn and explore
nature living close to the Baltic Sea. At the age of 14, he started training as a cabinet
maker apprentice. He has blessed the lives of his family and friends with this skill and
many other God-given talents.
Heinz was drafted into the German Airforce during WWII. He was captured by the
US Army and became a Prisoner-of- War for a few years. After the war he was able
to find and live with his brother, Frank. He met his wife to be, Gisela Deus, at a
church party. Heinz started talking to the missionaries and on September 6th, 1947,
he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On December 18, 1948,
Gisela and Heinz were married in Neurtingen, Germany.
Heinz and Gisela made plans to immigrate to the United States so they could offer a
better life to their children and be closer to the temple of the Lord in Salt Lake City,
Utah. By exercising great faith and with the blessing of many miracles, they were
able to immigrate to the United States with their young daughter, Ingrid in
December 1951.
Heinz had a love of animals, and he raised a variety of them throughout his life.
Animals not only provided food for his family, but they provided a teaching tool for
his children of the responsibilities of looking after God’s creations. He loved to raise
homing pigeons and was a member of multiple pigeon clubs.
Heinz became a citizen of the United States on August 18, 1966. He cherished being
a United States citizen. He started a cabinet making business in his garage which was
very successful. He taught all his children how to work with wood and build things.
He held many callings during his life in the church. He served in a Bishopric, the
Sunday School, and Elders Quorum. He and Mom were always looking to help
others. Many have been recipients of Heinz’s generous nature. Heinz was known to
many as the “Candy Man” because he loved to share a piece of candy with friends
and complete strangers. He truly believed that a little piece of candy could make the
difference in someone’s day. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh.
Heinz's greatest love was his wife and his family. He looked forward to visits from his
kids and grandchildren. Although Heinz will be missed, he has been reunited with his
angel wife, Gisela, and we know it was a glorious reunion.
At the time of his passing, Heinz had six children, 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren,
and 12 great-great- grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Ingrid Gordon (Don), Frank (Luana), Richard (Constance), Fred (Tori), Robert (Karen), and Annemarie Smith (Carleton). A viewing will be held on Monday, January 10th at 9:45 am at the Haven Ward, 2280 South 300 East, Salt Lake City with services immediately following at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial
Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
