Wayne John Heinrick, 78, Towner, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 at his home in Towner.

Wayne Heinrick, son of Frank and Johanna (Schatz) Heinrick, was born October 15, 1939 in Rugby. He was raised south of Towner and attended Copperdahl School for a short time before entering the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis where he was treated for polio. Following his treatment, Wayne attended Towner Public School, graduating in 1958. He then enrolled at Minot State College.

On June 20, 1958, Wayne was united in marriage to Connie Thompson. They made their home on the Christianson-Thompson Ranch where Wayne milked cows and worked two summers at the Towner Nursery. In 1969, they moved into Towner and purchased the local grocery store on main street. With no regrets, they sold the grocery store and pursued a new career in the bar business. The Hotel Bar in Towner was their first endeavor and a brief time later they had an aspiration for a new establishment which became well-known in the area as the "Longhorn". Together they kept the locals in "Happy Hour" for 18 years, retiring in 1991.

Wayne's passion for hunting and fishing was extreme and the results were proudly displayed in his "museum" where many kids young and old were fascinated and fearful. Countless trips to the Canadian wilderness with family and friends brought much pleasure to Wayne as he retold his adventures. Yearly excursions to escape the winter took them across the US. Summers were spent as a sponsor and spectator to the Longhorn softball team. Wayne briefly came out of retirement to explore a slightly different career as a concrete supervisor for his son Roger.

Wayne's outdoor activity and adventures became limited in his later years. The "Remote" became his best friend, auction sales were attended, excursions in the country were enjoyed and visits from family and friends were cherished. He was a well-known jokester and you knew that Wayne loved you when included in his pranks. He will be forever missed

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Johanna Heinrich; and his beloved son Roger.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Connie; his daughter, Deb (Kevin) Fairbairn of Regina, SK; his granddaughter, Tracey Heinrick of Minot; grandsons, Shelby (Amy) Swearson of Minot and Tyler (Kaitlyn) Swearson of Watford City; great-granddaughter, Marley Swearson of Minot; brother, Larry (Dyann) Heinrich of Towner; sister, Marie Woodall of Granville; Kim Skar (Roger's companion); niece, Laurie Heinrich of Washington; numerous cousins and many friends.

Funeral: Friday, February 2, 2018 at 2:00 P. M. At the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner.

Burial: Union Cemetery in Towner in the spring.

Arrangements with Bethke-Nelson Funeral Home of Drake.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com