In Loving Memory

Raymond Albert Heinle

1945 — 2026

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A Life Remembered

Obituary

In Loving Memory

Raymond Heinle passed away peacefully at home on September 16, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of his family. Born in June of 1945 in California, he lived a life filled with curiosity, dedication, and deep affection for his family.

He shared a wonderful life with his loving wife of 59 years, Frances Heinle, and was a proud, devoted father to his three adult children: Christina (Michael) Belair, Michael Heinle (Danielle), Mark Heinle (Sarah) and six beloved grandchildren; Reece, Merritt, Weston, Kadian, Tanner, and Ridge.

He worked for the Department of Energy as a nuclear physicist for 34 years in Northern California and later in 2004 he followed his children to Arizona settling into retired life.

Throughout his life, he had a deep passion for the universe and the beauty of the cosmos. One of his favorite pursuits was spending clear, dark nights under the stars—often venturing out with his daughter to the Picketpost Trailhead to capture stunning images of objects, nebulas and galaxies.

He cherished his heritage and made sure he left a lasting understanding of where his family came from. Over the decades he researched and published a book on his genealogy of the Germans from Russia that will follow with his legacy.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Frances, his children, grandchildren and all the friends and family whose lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring the Life and Memory of Ray will be held on Friday, November 20th - for an invitation please send an email to family.heinle@yahoo.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ray's favorite passion's through these organizations:

American Historical Society
of Germans From Russian
631 D Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68502

East Valley Astronomy Club
PO Box 2202
Mesa, AZ 85214-2202
or by PayPal sales@eastvalleyastronomy.org

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Donita Rotherham October 24, 2026

Fran, we are so very sorry to hear of Rays passing. Our little publishing committee at AHSGR will greatly miss Ray. He was a faithful translator of many German records for the village of Lauwe, Russia and other villages, faithfully translating and assisting in our efforts to bring family history to our German Russian descendants. His love of heritage and history were evident in all his work for which we are so grateful. Thank you, Ray. We will miss you and thank you for your dedication to AHSGR. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Ronna Meredith October 20, 2026

Fran, I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He always had a smile on his face and was such an amazing human being. I miss going to breakfast after church. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family.

Matt and Donna Preston October 20, 2026

We met Ray and Fran on a holiday only to become totally inspired by both of them. We exchanged address, emails, phone numbers and travelled to stay at each others houses. It was lovely to visit Arizona. In a global sense not that far away, but in reality Australia isnt all that close. However, we had technology and stayed in touch. Ray impressed us in every way. His kindness, his love of Fran and the family they built together. His love of photography and deep understanding and love of science was had both Matt and I in awe. I loved being taken to the pickett post where he had taken some amazing photos. There is so many things that come to mind, but his humanity was awe inspiring. We wished we could have lived closer so many times. Fran, to you we cannot express our saddness for you. Whilst he is no longer in pain, it is you who carries it now. The Lord Jesus will hold you up, but cry as much as you need, tell stories often with the family, laugh at some of the memories. I pray that keeps him near to you. All our love Fran! Matt and Donna

Ina Kay Devers October 20, 2026

Fran, it was so wonderful to know Ray. His humble intelligence, dry sense of humor, and love of the galaxy. All my love to you and your family always. Ina Kay

Nancy Valletta October 20, 2026

Fran, My heart breaks for you. May God hold you close and give you comfort during this time, and may Ray rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord🙏

Christy Carpena October 15, 2026

Fran, I am so heartbroken to hear about Raymond’s passing! He was such a great man and I will miss him dearly. I’m praying for you and your family for peace and that you are surrounded with love as you are going through this hard time. ❤️

Anaya Saydyk October 14, 2026

Raymond will be deeply missed and that is stating it lightly. My heart aches with yours, Fran.

Kym Halstead October 1, 2026

A very special man and it reflects through his family . Raymond will be truly missed , and never forgotten.

Kathleen Peters September 30, 2026

Raymond was so kind, thoughtful, and loved his family deeply. My thoughts and prayers are for the entire Heinle family.

❦

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