Obituary of Heinz Brettschneider

Heinz Brettschneider, 87, Burnsville, passed away peacefully at home on May 17. Born in Milwaukee, WI, his family moved to Minneapolis when Heinz was seven years old. He grew up playing ice hockey, delivering newspapers and spending time with friends in the Lake Harriet area where he lived, and was always eager to share a story from his childhood about his adventures, especially as to how he met his amazing wife, Dianne, and their dating years. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Brettschneider, parents Ernst and Pauline Brettschneider, and siblings, Lydia Pierson, Margaret Brettschneider, Bruno Brettschneider. Heinz is survived by wife, Dianne, children Steven (Patty) Brettschneider, Michael Brettschneider (Kay Hanson), Cindy (Jim) Loehr, and Dan (Martha) Brettschneider, eight grandchildren, Shannon (Jeremy) Jones, Matthew (Nicole) Brettschneider, Aimee Brettschneider, Madelyn Loehr, Vassil Alex Loehr, Ellie Brettschneider (Jesse Jennings), Blake Brettschneider, and Reid Brettschneider; seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Minneapolis Southwest High School, Korean War vet, home builder, and hockey player, Heinz was a coach and mentor instrumental in developing Burnsville’s Youth Hockey in the 1960’s and 70’s. His passion for hockey lasted his whole life, as he continued to go to Burnsville High School’s hockey games even into the last few years of his life. Never one to miss a softball, soccer, or hockey game, his children’s and grandchildren’s games were also a top priority. First and foremost a great husband, father, and grandpa, he will be deeply missed by his family. Heinz was also was a huge dog lover, always well equipped with pockets full of dog treats for each pooch he greeted whenever he ventured back to his old Lake Harriet stomping grounds. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:00 PM. Visitation one hour prior to the service at 5:00 PM, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S, Edina. Donations preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Minnesota Valley Humane Society.