Melvin Clyde Heinecke, Sr.
Mel was born on November 6, 1938, in Gunnison, Colorado, to Elbert and Mary (Harding) Heinecke. He spent his childhood in the Grand Valley and attended Central High School in Grand Junction. In 1956, Mel enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. After leaving the Army he returned to the Grand Valley and became a licensed contractor. He attended Northeast Christian Church and was a lifelong resident of Colorado. In his free time, Mel enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and loved classic cars.
Mel is survived by his son, Merv Heinecke; daughters, Sherri Kemis, Christi Flynn, Dana Blade, and Marcie Turner; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Grand Junction Memorial Gardens.