Matthew Peter Heinen, Jr.

Matthew P. Heinen, Jr. died Monday, June 19, 2017, at the age of 92. Matt was born in Chicago, IL on March 25, 1925. He grew up with five siblings and graduated from Kelley High School in 1943. He maintained a love for the Windy City, especially the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. Matt proudly served his country as a member of the Marine Corps during World War II. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at Western Michigan University. While attending Western, he met Norma Childs, whom he married in April, 1952. Together they raised Mary, Anne (Riehl), Matt, Pete, Jean (Pence), Karen (Koop) and Kristine (Mesh). They enjoyed a wonderful life together until her death in 2004. Matt and Norma have fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Education was always a top priority for Matt and Norma, and they were very proud that all seven of their children graduated from college. Matt will be remembered as a high school History teacher and a multi-sport coach, with over 400 basketball wins during his career. He had an unwavering loyalty to his family and friends, and a strong commitment to the Roman Catholic faith. As both a teacher and a coach, he was a true motivator and inspired many to reach their full potential. He was inducted into both the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame and the Michigan High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Matt was a master of the gift of laughter and could command a room with an amusing story or the telling of a joke. The Heinen Family would like to offer a special thank you to the Sunrise of Cascade Community, where our Dad has been a resident for the past ten years. Visitation will be at Reyers North Valley Chapel, Friday June 23 from 4-7pm with Rosary at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 24, 11am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, (2275 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505), with Father George Darling presiding. Friends and family may pay their respects at the church from 10am until the time of the funeral mass on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Breckenridge Educational Foundation, (700 Wright St., Breckenridge, MI 48615).