Joseph Alan Heinrich, 75, passed away peacefully in his home in Salina, KS on November 21, 2023, after his private battle with cancer. He was born in North Platte, NE on March 10, 1948, to Ruby and Benjamin Heinrich where they resided on their family farm in Paxton, NE with his sister (Eileen) and his brothers (Harvey and Paul).
Joe attended school in Paxton through his graduation from Paxton High School in 1966, where he and his beloved wife, Kathy were high school sweethearts. While at Paxton High, Joe participated, and lettered in football, basketball, and track for four years. He was Student Council President, Annual Staff Co-Editor, and Homecoming King.
He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, beginning at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paxton, where he was baptized, confirmed, and participated in choir. Later he joined Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salina where he was involved in various roles, including church council, lector, usher, and altar guild.
After high school, Joe moved to Kearney, NE to attend Kearney State College, where he studied Business Administration. He was actively involved in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon while he remained studious. He also enjoyed competing in Bridge tournaments, ultimately earning a 3rd place finish in the National Intercollegiate Pair Title tournament. While in Kearney, Joe and Kathy married in 1969 and later welcomed two sons, Bryan and Brett. Joe began working in the fire sprinkler industry at Bamford Inc, until relocating to Salina, KS in 1976. Here, they started Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company with humble beginnings out of their home, eventually expanding to Shawnee Mission, KS. In Salina, they also welcomed their favorite daughter, Andrea.
Joe became involved in the American Fire Sprinkler Association in 1982, serving on multiple committees and, since 2004, the board of directors. Eventually, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2013-2014. During his tenure on the board, Joe demonstrated leadership with integrity that included the vision and inception of the NextGen Initiative. He made many dear, life-long friends and remained actively involved in board meetings following his time as Chairman.
Joe’s passion for and involvement in youth activities, particularly baseball, in Salina allowed him to enrich the lives of thousands of youths through team sponsorships including the framing and construction of batting cages at many local schools and fields. In the words of Mike Garretson, “If you strike out, don’t blame Joe Heinrich!” He used his time and talents to support the American Legion, Babe Ruth, and many youth baseball programs. Most notably, he was co-director for the American Legion Grand Slam Tournament for approximately 17 years, beginning in the early 1990’s. He, along with good buddies, Kent Lambert and Larry “Doc” St. Clair, organized the tournament for many years after their own sons finished playing Legion baseball.
In his “spare time,” Joe could be found watching and listening to sports of nearly any variety and listening to talk radio. His favorite teams included the Nebraska Huskers, Royals, and Chiefs. Joe enjoyed bowling, playing rounds of golf during his travels for board trips, taking his grandchildren to the driving range, and spoiling his family – especially his grandkids. But his favorite pastime was attending his grandchildren’s sports and activities for Southeast of Saline, Chapman, and Manhattan.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ruby, brother Harvey, and sister Eileen. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, sons Bryan (Katie) Heinrich and Brett (Trina) Heinrich, daughter Andrea (Brandon) Van Meter, and brother Paul (Janet) Heinrich. He has seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Ben Heinrich, Isaac Van Meter, Reese Heinrich, Jacob Van Meter, Madilyn Heinrich, Zoey Van Meter, and Gabriella Heinrich, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He knew no strangers and made friends everywhere he went. Joe left a lasting impression on so many with his huge heart, authenticity, integrity and generosity. To his family, we knew him best for always doing what was right and honorable with humility and good cheer. Up to the end, he maintained his sense of humor, catching us off-guard at times with a well-timed wise crack.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) at Ryan Mortuary (137 N. 8th St. Salina, KS). His memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church (743 E. Magnolia Rd. Salina, KS). Inurnment will follow the funeral service at Gypsum Hill Cemetery (2020 E. Iron St.). Following the burial, a celebration of life will be held at The Venue (638 Francis St.). Lunch and drinks will be served, and we invite everyone to join the family as we remember the Legend.
On behalf of the Joe Heinrich family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all the calls, prayers, visits, meals, cards, and well-wishes provided to our family. Your love, kindness, and generosity are genuinely appreciated and have touched our hearts during Joe’s illness and final days.