Heinrich Wilhelm Zehl

Heinrich Wilhelm Zehl was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Heinrich will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Heinrich was born on March 5, 1937 in Diatinegara, Indonesia. He was the son of Heinrich and Toeminah Catarina. Heinrich grew up in Batavia, Indonesia.

Heinrich was raised with 10 siblings. He had five brothers and five sisters, Fien, Hien, JD, Willy, Rinios, Anton, Emile, and Trees. Heinrich was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Heinrich had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Heinrich was an active child who took part in Judo and boxing. He was a scout. In his spare time he liked to fix cars and repair yet prop boats. Heinrich's memorable achievements was when he was hired, at the age of 10, in the military to repair tanks and trucks. However, to Heinrich, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Heinrich had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Technical School of Semarans in 1946. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was his mechanic class. Heinrich also studied steam engineering.

Heinrich enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Heinrich was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Arts.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Heinrich enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jerry Eman, Romy Keizer, and Willy Veerman. Later in life, he became friends with John Keideniers, Eddy Jonathan, and Renny Frank.

On November of 1958 Heinrich exchanged wedding vows with Jos Portier in Arnhem and Raolte, Holland. Empathic and loyal, Heinrich was committed to making his new family happy.

Heinrich worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Heinrich was blessed with three children: two daughters, Catherine and Ellen, and one son, William. Another blessing for Heinrich was the gift of five grandchildren Lance, Jack, Samantha, Loren, and Taylor. He also had two great-grandchildren, Genieve and William

Fortunately, Heinrich enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Heinrich worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was chief engineer. He was employed for Sisters of the Holy Names, Standford Research Institute INA, and retired Cigna. Heinrich always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Heinrich enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were motorcycles and lovely ladies. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Heinrich’s faith was important to him. He was a devoted Catholic.

When Heinrich’s retirement finally arrived in 1993, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Heinrich continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Heinrich was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Heinrich passed away on April 10, 2012 at in San Jose, California. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home. Heinrich was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Heinrich was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Heinrich leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Heinrich Wilhelm Zehl.