Norman L. (Norm) Heinemann, 88, of Coldwater passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Grand Vista Assisted Living in Coldwater.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at The First Presbyterian Church in Coldwater with Pastor Susan Riechenburg officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, May 15, 2023 from 4-7:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Norm was born May 21, 1934 to Willis & Ruth (Gifford) Heinemann in Bethel Township, Branch County, MI. Norm graduated from Bronson Community High School in 1952. In 1974 he graduated from Kellogg Community College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He earned his BBA Degree from Northwood University in 1980. He also completed several specialized education programs in Law and Criminal Justice.
Norm began his work out of high school at Gambles-Skogmo of Coldwater until 1962. His passion was law enforcement. He became a member of the Branch County Reserve Police Force serving as Captain and Commanding Officer during his final four years of service. Then in 1969, Norm began his career as a Senior Patrol Officer with the Coldwater Police Department. Continuing his career in Law enforcement, Norm was elected as Branch County Sheriff in 1976 where he would serve for 12 years.
Norm had also served in many elected positions including Constable of Coldwater and Kinderhook townships. He served as Branch County Coroner from 1959-1965 and was the youngest Coroner in the United States at the time. Norm has been a part of many community organizations including Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club (Past President), Michigan Sheriffs Association (Past President), Branch County Historical Society, Coldwater Chamber of Commerce, Battle Creek Conservation & Spokesman Club, Exchange Club (Past President), Sunrise Rotary (Past President) with perfect attendance for over 35 years. He was a graduate from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA, member of Coldwater JCs, Coldwater Toastmasters Club, Branch County Young Republican Club (Past President), served as Branch County Commissioner for 12 years and a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Coldwater.
Norm is survived by his wife Doris Borthwick Heinemann; his children, Norma (Butch Guerrero) Heinemann of La Junta, Colorado, Karen Reeves of Battle Creek; his honorary daughter/exchange student Carolina Arancibia of Chile; his honorary son Rich Munsie of Bath, OH; his three grandchildren, Katie Mae Atkinson, Zachary Atkinson and Aaron Hughes; his great grandson Grayson Atkinson; his siblings, Ruth Heinemann, Rolland Heinemann and Donald Heinemann; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie Mae Heinemann, his second wife Susie York Heinemann and sister Della Mae McLarty.
Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or the Coldwater Sunrise Rotary
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