Wayne L. Heinrich

Wayne Lee Heinrich, age 79, passed away on December 5, 2025.

He is survived by his children, Wayne Heinrich Jr., Kimberly Chapman, and Lucas (Jessica) Heinrich; his grandchildren, Forrest Chapman IV, Gabriel Heinrich, and Faith Heinrich; and his great-grandchild, Forrest Chapman V. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ruth Heinrich.

Wayne began his career as a proud Union 597 Pipefitter, a trade that shaped both his skillset and his grit. In the early 2000s, he traded pipes for propellers, becoming a boat captain. Captain Wayne worked for Wendella, Chicago Harbors, and Shoreline, where his profession met his passion. He was a true outdoorsman — happiest with a fishing pole in hand, a hunting story to tell, or at the helm of a boat. Wayne was known for being able to fix absolutely anything; his “MacGyver” skills were legendary. If something was broken, he would repair it. If someone was too serious, he would fix that too — usually with a perfectly timed joke, a clever prank, or an exaggerated roll of his eyes. His sarcasm was fluent, his humor unforgettable.

Through every challenge life placed in his path, Wayne faced it with courage, perseverance, and just enough humor to keep everyone else steady. He lived with strength, loyalty, and resilience — values he quietly instilled in his family.

Wayne will be remembered for his wit, his resourcefulness, his love of the outdoors, and the steady presence he provided to those who knew him. His legacy lives on in every fishing trip taken, every boat ride enjoyed, every tool picked up to fix something, and every joke told in his honor.

A memorial service will be held on March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.-2:30p.m at: Chapel Hill Gardens South 11333 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn, Illinois, 60453