Heinz Werner, 85, of Sleepy Hollow, died peacefully in his home on April 28, 2024, with his family by his side.
Heinz was born in Germany on December 23, 1938, to parents Fritz and Elisabeth (nee Krapf) Werner. After immigrating to the United States, he worked hard to support himself and his family finding his talents and skills served well in the plumbing business. His lifelong career was spent as a successful, respected Master Plumber in downtown Chicago. He was proud of his heritage and enjoyed being an active member of the Catholic Kolping Society. Heinz loved being in his workshops fixing and improving things. He enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, jet skiing, and was often found listening to German music. A good meal and conversation shared with friends and family made for perfect time spent with those he loved. Heinz was always eager to share his knowledge, offer guidance, support, and encouragement to help those around him. He earned the title "the dog whisperer" because of the special connection he had with all dogs and the way they understood, trusted, respected and eagerly responded to his every command. He loved his German Shepherds, Fritz and Maddie, they were loyal, protective companions and they had mutual respect and unconditional love for one another. He was a genuine, honest, generous and loving man, strong yet gentle. Heinz was a devoted and loving husband, father, Opa, and friend. His family was very important to him. His warmth, wisdom, sense of humor, and joy he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Heinz is survived by his beloved wife, Winifred Werner, his children, Linda (Thomas) Wemple, and Jim Werner, Winifred’s children, Tim (Mary) Pfeiffer, Mark (Nicolletta) Pfeiffer, Julia (Richard) Ochal, Annemarie O’Connor, and Jennifer (James Legowski) Girardi, his grandchildren, Abigale Wemple, Christopher Wemple, Alex Wemple, Matthew Wemple, Erika Pfeiffer, Mariah Pfeiffer, Ian (Amber) Pfeiffer, Jessica (Jordan) Mesa, Emma Pfeiffer, Rebecca Ochal, Sarah Ochal, Kyle O’Connor, Brandon (Jennifer) O’Connor, Kelly O’Connor, and Daniel Legowski, his great-grandchildren, Niko Mesa, and Faith, Brian and Everleigh O’Connor, Meghan, Robbie, Cooper, and Olivia Wemple, Bryson Wemple, his brother, Dieter (Susan) Werner, his sister-in-law, Kathy Werner, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his loving and devoted nurse, Chester Lim.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to time of Mass 10 a.m. all at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls https://www.mercyhome.org/
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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Linda, all of us are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda, Wini and family, I was sorry to hear that Heinz had passed away. He will be deeply missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Linda, Wini and family, I was sorry to hear that Heinz had passed away. He will be deeply missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.
On behalf of Fr. Scott Donahue and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Heinz Werner. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome him and take him to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
Heinz, we will never forget you from Chicago and St. Tarcissus Parish and Troop 969, BSA. Peace to the Werner Family, Jim and Linda. May he Rest In Peace!