Richard Harold Heitz

.Richard "Dick" Harold Heitz, age 78, of Fruitland passed away at his home Wednesday May 25, 2016. Memorial services will be held at 2pm Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel in Fruitland. Funeral services under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. He was born September 16, 1937 to William and Lula Heitz in New Plymouth, Idaho. Shortly after his birth Dick's family moved to Chicago, Illinois where he spent his childhood until he moved to Fruitland to live with his brother John and wife Vera and attend high school. Dick attended Fruitland High School where he served as student body president, treasurer and vice president in addition to playing football, wrestling and track. After graduating from Fruitland High School in 1956 he joined the United States Army where he served as a helicopter mechanic and a medic spending most of his time stationed in Germany and returned to Fruitland when his military service ended in 1959. He married Mary Jane Johnson of New Plymouth on July 7, 1959 they made their home in Fruitland where they welcomed and raised their three children; Rick, Russell and Robin. Dick worked in construction his entire life building and remodeling homes in Fruitland, Payette and New Plymouth eventually starting his own company Heitz Construction. Together with his wife Mary, a realtor, they built and sold a number of homes in the local area. After leaving construction Dick worked in maintenance at New Plymouth High School and later at the Internet Truck Stop until his retirement. Dick was a believer in service to his community; throughout his life he volunteered his time and skills to many local organizations such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the volunteer first response team in New Plymouth in addition to serving on the Fruitland Planning and Zoning board for over a decade. Dick was always available to help family, friends and neighbors in need and made sure to share the bounty of his garden with his family and neighbors. In his spare time Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and activity he enjoyed with his children, woodworking and gardening. His children will always be grateful to him for teaching them the value of hard work and service to others. Dick is survived by his children; Rick Heitz of Vancouver, WA, Russell T Heitz and his wife Karen of Boise, Robin Heitz-Patzer and her husband Darrel J. Patzer of Ontario, grandchildren Nathan Heitz, Ryan Heitz, MaryJayne Patzer and Samuel Patzer and sisters Grace Heitz Scheffield and Agnes Heitz. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane, brother's John, Fred, Billy, Jim and sister, Delores. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations in his name to Veterans Advocates of Ore-Ida in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, PO Box 730, Payette, ID 83661 208-642-3333 or a veteran's charity of your choice. Service Details. Service When: Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 Location: Funeral Home Address: