Rodger Lee Heintz

Rodger Lee Heintz, born August 17, 1955, passed on to be with the Lord and family September 5, 2022, survived by his wife Joan, three of his siblings, and his children and stepchildren.

Born in Gary, Indiana to Melvin and Margaret Heintz, Rodger had four siblings, Marie, Eugene, Debora, and Judith.  After having a playful 12 years in Gary, the family moved to Lowell, Indiana where Rodger enthusiastically studied as a member of the Air Force Junior ROTC, which prepared him later for his time in the United States Army where he acquired his passion for helping and protecting others as a Medic and other areas.  Rodger further developed his interest in the medical field after caring for his late sister Marie in the last year of her life.  Encouraged by Marie's hospice nurses and his parents, Rodger went to nursing school where he met and fell in love with his classmate Joan Rosenberg Vranjes, whom he married in 1999. Next to his wife, Rodger's first love was nursing, where he worked in hospice care and other clinical capacities.  Rodger and Joan operated Trusty Acres Farm where they raised certified Angus Beef; chickens; goats; dogs; cats; and birds.  According to Joan, the best present she received from Rodger was an animal in a box.  Joan thought it was a funny looking dog, but it turned out to be a Pygmy Goat.  Rodger was also loved by his mother-in-law Ruby Esther, and they frequently enjoyed dinner at Red Lobster while Joan worked.

Graveside services will be held in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.