Heinz Van Pelt, 84, of the Glendale Community in Heavener, Oklahoma passed away January 12, 2024 at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas with family by his side.
Heinz was born on April 17, 1939 in Oppala, Germany. During WWII, his mother, Anna (Jersch) met and married an American GI, John Allen Van Pelt. John adopted Heinz and thought of him as his own. Heinz followed in his dads footsteps and joined the Army in 1958. Heinz met Betty Sue Walter in 1956 fell in love and they married in 1959. From this union came four children Fred, Grace, Peggy, and Laura.
Heinz put in for multiple overseas tours in order to keep his family together. In doing so, they were able to see the world Italy, Norway, Germany, and stateside Arizona, Kansas, Arkansas, and North Carolina.
Heinz retired in 1978 and moved his family to the Glendale area. He began working at Lake Wister State Park. After retiring from there, Heinz and Betty set out to see the United States with their puppies, Missy and Lucy.
Left to honor his memory are his wife, Betty of the home; son, Fred and wife Sharon of Elmer, Oklahoma; three daughters Grace Van Pelt of the Glendale Community, Peggy Kimbrel of Martha, Oklahoma, Laura Holson of Disney, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
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