Joe E. Heinrich

Joseph (Joe) Edward Heinrich, age 61, passed away September 17, 2024 in Bismarck, ND, surrounded by members of his loving family.

Cremation has taken place. The burial service will be held Tuesday, September 24, 11:00 am at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Following the burial, a celebration of life gathering will be held at 1:00 pm at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel, Bismarck, ND, where everyone is welcome. 

Joe was born on March 10, 1963 in Crosby, ND, to Fran (Galusha) Gunlach and Willis (Willy) Heinrich. Joe attended Century High School in Bismarck where he enjoyed being a part of their wrestling and football teams, graduating in 1982. After high school Joe attended Wahpeton State School of Science where he continued to enjoy playing football. Joe went on to attend Bismarck State College, earning a Criminal Justice Degree.

Joe was proud to have served his country in both the ND and CA Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer. His military background guided him toward his future career as a Correctional Officer. 

Joe’s career began at Folsom Prison in Folsom, CA (a part of his life he was very proud of), then later working at the ND State Penitentiary in Bismarck, ND. Joe held jobs working in Security related positions for the remainder of his life.

Joe was previously married, and from that union he had three children: Shana, John and Sierra, all of whom he dearly loved and was extremely proud of.

On August 8, 2008 (08/08/08) he married the love of his life, Jennifer Jo Mertz, in Bismarck, ND, where they continued to reside and spend their life. 

Joe loved spending time outdoors. His family and friends have many fond memories of him teaching his kids to hunt and fish, or taking the boat out to catch the “walleye limit”. Joe always knew all the tricks to get the “big ones”. Always enjoying the challenge of walleye tournaments. He enjoyed the initial tap on the fishing line, and would often say, “Take it, take it, take it – BAM” as he reeled in his prized catch. These trips were, of course, always followed by the most amazing walleye fish-fry.

Joe was a handy-man always knowing the answer as to how to fix or grow anything. At home Joe loved hanging out in his garage, listening to rock tunes by AC/DC and KISS, along with country music bands – while sharing stories about all his adventures, especially his glory days at Folsum Prison and the National Guard.

Throughout Joe’s life he was always a pet-lover. He especially loved his young family’s golden retriever, Sammy. Jenn and Joe also shared their fur-baby family, two cats named Charlie and Ziva, as well as others who left their lives much too soon.

Joe was well known by family and friends for his unique sense of humor and direct attitude of “telling it like it is”. Some of his fondest memories included trips to Las Vegas and attending NFL games with Jenn. Many of those memories included visiting family in other states. Watching football games with family, especially his all-time special team – the Las Vegas Raiders, was one of his favorite ways to spend Sundays.

Joe was a very loving husband, father, son and friend. He was always willing to have a good time barbecuing, camping, attending concerts, playing board games and watching his favorite movies with the people he loved.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Jenn Heinrich, son, John (Lindsey) Heinrich; daughter, Sierra (Devin) Poitra; mother, Fran Gundlach; father, Willis (Bonnie) Heinrich; sister, Julie (Rick) Ensley; father and mother-in-law, Wally and Diane Mertz; and grandchildren – Kaya Heinrich, Thoreau Coker; Natalie and Alexandra Heinrich; Kyler, Eliana and Emersyn Renz; and Charlotte Poitra. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shana Heinrich, and brother, Jon Heinrich.