Gustina L. "Tini" Heintz, 79

We are saddened to announce the passing of Gustina L. Heintz on May 4, 2025. She was born on January 31, 1946 in Sioux City, Iowa. She was 79 years old.

Gustina who went by “Tini” was the daughter of August (Gus) D. Wickey and Gladys O. Hute (Copenhaver). She was the beloved wife of John L. Heintz, whom she married at 15 years old on July 1, 1961. They shared a wonderful 53 years together.

She is preceded in death by her husband John in January 2015. Brothers Johnny Bishop, Sr., and Patrick Hute; sisters Dorothy Anderson, Rosie Fisher, Blanche Davis, and Lucille Erisman.

She is survived by her sister Helen (Donald) Fredrickson; nieces, nephews, and friends Laura and Bill among others.

With a 7th-grade education, she had no lack of common sense and determination.She could be feisty if she noticed a lack common sense and personal accountability in others and would set people straight.

As a young woman Tini learned to style hair and could finish a 1950’s style up-do in no time at all. She often spent Saturday mornings styling hair with family and friends. She continued to do her own hair throughout her life, saying she knows exactly how she likes it. You could often find her watching her nieces or nephews for her sisters as a young woman. She loved babies and would say “you have to cover those butts.” Tini and John raised her little brother Patrick who was always keeping them on their toes. She was dedicated to making the best life possible.

As a young couple, Tini and John moved to Omaha living in the same home for 47 years. It did not take long for them to make friends and draw in the neighborhood boys. She enjoyed watching them play football in the yard for hours – summer after summer. She loved football and watching the Huskers play. If it was game day the Nebraska flag was up. She was typically quiet, but if the game was on you would hear her cheering. Tini and John spent years enjoying the friendship of all the neighbors – it was truly a special time.

She loved to sew and worked for Wilson’s Cap & Gown for years, becoming one of the best seamstresses. When she decided it was time for a change, she bravely embarked on a career as a cabinet maker, a trade not many women were accepted in. Proving her skills were at the same level (if not better) than her male counterparts, she continued to make cabinets for years. At one point early on Tini wanted new kitchen cabinets and could not get John to agree. After a couple years she decided she would have to take action into her own hands, and boy did she. While John was at work Tini removed all the kitchen cabinets and put them outside. When John came home, he exclaimed “you crazy woman, what are doing!” Her response was simple, “I am getting new kitchen cabinets.” They often laughed about that later in life.

She lived a simple loving life, truly enjoying the taste of fresh tomatoes, hot dogs, and her very own potato salad; which she would teach anyone (the right way) to make it.

As she grew older, she became known for her beautiful handmade afghans. She would crochet for hours (not even looking). She loved making things for family and friends. Her Nebraska, Iowa, and baby blankets were simply beautiful. She became so good that she started selling them at craft fairs.

As recent as last year, neighbors would see Tini outside on her riding mower. She would even mow parts of others yards if she was feeling especially well. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that if her front door was open, she was okay. She was blessed with so many wonderful neighbors who always looked after her and helped anytime they could.

Tini faced her final journey with unwavering courage and strength after a brief battle with cancer. She will be remembered with love and missed by all who knew her. A special thank you to the caretakers who supported her in her final days.

Celebration of Life for Gustina "Tini" Heintz will be held at the DAV (Disabled American Veteran Hall) -- 4515 F Street, Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, May 9th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm