Donald Alfred Heitz, age 77, of Minnetrista, Minnesota, passed away at his home on July 4, 2026, surrounded

by the love of his family.

Don was born on November 26, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to James and Joan (Kloss) Heitz. He grew

up in Mound, where he built the foundation of a life defined by service, hard work, and an unwavering devotion

to his family.

He graduated from Mound High School in 1966 before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy

from 1966 to 1969 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), including service in the waters off Vietnam.

Following his military service, Don dedicated 37 years of his career to the City of Mound, where his strong work

ethic, dependability, and willingness to lend a hand reflected the quiet commitment that defined his life.

On September 6, 1975, Don and Karen (Johnson) Heitz were joined in marriage at Our Lady of the Lake

Catholic Church in Mound, Minnesota. Throughout nearly 51 years of marriage, they built a life centered on

family, love, and quiet acts of generosity, always putting the people they loved first.

Don is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters, Stacie (Marshall) Mittelstaedt of Delano and Trisha (Joe)

Ehalt of Minnetrista; his five grandchildren, Madison, MJ, Aaliyah, Cameron, and Halle, who brought him

endless pride and joy; his brothers, Frank Heitz of Maple Plain and James Heitz of Delano; as well as many

nieces, a nephew, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Joan (Kloss) Heitz; his siblings, Wendy Tollison and

David Heitz; and his parents-in-law, Francis and Elvera Johnson.

Don was never one to seek attention. He was happiest at home, where the people he loved most were never

far away. From a young age, he devoted himself to providing for his family, making sacrifices without complaint

and always putting the needs of others before his own. His love wasn't expressed through grand gestures, but

through a lifetime of showing up, working hard, and making sure the people he cared about were taken care of.

Don treasured time with his family, and Disney vacations became some of their most cherished traditions. More

often than not, he could be found happily sitting with the strollers, watching over his grandchildren. Some of his

favorite moments were simply sitting back, visiting with the little ones, and watching the magic unfold around

him.

Like any good Grandpa, Don had a few Disney traditions that became family legends. He knew exactly where

to sit on Kali River Rapids, whether you wanted to stay dry or get completely soaked. And no trip on

Kilimanjaro Safaris was complete without spotting the ostrich eggs. It became a running family joke that no

matter the season or how many times they rode, the eggs were always in the exact same spot. Even when

Don wasn't there, someone always snapped a picture and sent it to him.

If there was one thing Don taught by example, it was perseverance. He faced life's challenges with quiet

strength and determination, never giving up and always putting one foot in front of the other. He instilled those

qualities in his family, and they are among the greatest gifts he leaves behind. His family learned what true

strength looked like by watching him live.

We are grateful for his example, his quiet generosity, his devotion to his family, and his proud service to our

country. His example will continue to guide us for years to come.

In accordance with Don's wishes, no funeral service will be held. Instead, his family invites you to honor his

memory by celebrating the people who matter most to you. Share kind words, reach out to someone you've

been thinking about, offer a helping hand, or simply give someone a hug. There is no better way to celebrate

Don's life than by extending the same quiet kindness and love that he shared so freely with others