Bernard F. Heinrich

Heinrich, Bernard F.
age 77. Beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many passed away on March 16, 2008. Bernie, as he was called by his loved ones and friends, was born in West Allis, Wisconsin on April 21, 1930. After high school, he attended Marquette University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He then married the love of his life, Ellie Baumann on June 21, 1952. They moved to Albuquerque N.M. where he accepted a position at SANDIA Corporation working on missile technology for the military, and while living there, Bernie and Ellie had two children, Debbie and Donna. In 1956, the Heinrich family moved to Warren, Michigan where Bernie accepted a job with Chrysler Corporation. While in Warren, two more children were born, Rick and Patty. Bernie then had an opportunity to work on the Apollo space program with Chrysler, and the family moved to New Orleans in 1961. While in Louisiana, their last child David was born. Bernie was proudly involved with development of the Saturn 1B rocket engine at the Michoud Assembly Facility during our nation’s exciting race to the moon. While in New Orleans, Bernie received his MBA from LSU in 1974. After the Apollo space program ended, his family moved to Huntsville Ala. in 1976 where he worked for Chrysler Electronics. Bernie managed the development of radios and engine controllers for automobiles, and his greatest accomplishment was his work on multiplexed wiring which revolutionized the way various sub-systems in a car communicate with each other. In 1981, Bernie accepted the Director of Engineering position with Prince Corporation in Holland Mich. where he managed the development of trip computers and electronic compasses used in automobiles. In 1984, the Heinrich family moved to Rochester Hills Mich. where Bernie accepted a position back with Chrysler in Detroit. He managed Chrysler’s ESD lab, and later worked on battery technology for the electric car during which he attained the title of Vice Chairman. After retirement from Chrysler in July of 1997, Bernie and Ellie moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama where they enjoyed their well earned retirement together.
Bernie is remembered by many as a loving, compassionate, generous, and gentle man with a big heart and a great faith in God. He was a great husband, father and grandfather who always loved his wife, children, and grand children unconditionally. Bernie’s hobbies included golf, electronics, computers, entertaining guests at their home, volunteering for various charities, and church activities.
Bernie is survived by his wife Ellie, five children: Debbie Oelze and her husband Kurt, Donna Rittiner and her husband Chris, Rick Heinrich, Patty Woods and her husband Larry, David Heinrich and his wife Joan, twelve grand children: Kristen, Kevin, and Kelsey Oelze, Leigh Brian Rittiner Diley, Chris, and Kyle Rittiner and grandson-in law Brian Diley, Trey and Taylor Woods, Allison, Michelle, Claire, and Teresa Heinrich. Brothers Robert Heinrich, Dr. Thomas Heinrich, wife Mary and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 28, 2008 11AM at ST. RITA CATHOLIC CHURCH, corner of S. 60th and W. Lincoln Ave, West Allis. Entombment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, at the Funeral Home from 4-8PM with a Vigil Service at 7PM. Visitation will continue at the Church on Friday, from 9:30AM until the time of Mass 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Service Center, 317 Dolphin Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542, greatly appreciated.

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