Phillip John Heitzinger

Phillip John Heitzinger, age 65 was escorted to Heaven on 08/25/2026 by his late parents, John and Carol Heitzinger, beloved sister-in-law Nancy Heitzinger, and father-in-law Richard Dunst.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted, loving wife of 20 years, Cheryl (née Dunst), who cared so tenderly for him the past 3 ½ years as he battled liver cancer. He is also survived by his precious children Neil Miller(Elizabeth), Jason (Tanya), Nicole (Erik), along with Cheryl’s daughter Stephanie (Scott) Hemmer.

He will be deeply missed by his 7 siblings, sisters Chris (Dave) Kantor, Laurie Gravelle, Jeanie Sweet, and his 4 best friends & brothers Jack (Diane), Paul, Keith, and Bob (Melanie). He will also be missed by his mother-in-law, Charlene Dunst, and sister-in-laws Karen (Peter) Halpin, and Jenny (Jim) Wazlawik.

He enjoyed every minute with our 13 grandchildren Valerie (Izak) Gruber, Carson, Vanessa, Gavin, Tobias, Jacinta, and Amelia Miller, Allison and Roman Heitzinger, Ava, Ella, Lila and Micah Hemmer. And will watch over his soon-to-be born 1st Great-grandchild, baby girl Gruber, due 10/2026.

He will also be missed by his many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dearest friends., especially Pat Quintero and Chris Arcand, along with the mothers of his children Kathryn Heitzinger, and Victoria Zenner.

Phil retired from the state of MN - DEED where he worked as an operations analyst in the unemployment insurance program, after working for many years at Xcel Energy.

Phil loved spending time with family, friends, grandkids and anyone who would listen to his stories and jokes. He never met a stranger and you always knew when he was in the house! Phil loved spending time at the airport watching planes take off and land, and listening to the pilots and towers converse on his radio. He loved riding his bike all over the Metro area and enjoyed many hours on the bike trails. His larger than life presence will be deeply missed. We will love you forever, Philly! You’ve got a great view of the skies now. We’ve got it from here.

Arrangements provided by Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 235 Wentworth Ave W, West Saint Paul, MN 55118 with Visitation held on Thursday 09/03/2026, 4-8 PM. Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1154 Seminole Ave, West Saint Paul, MN on Friday 09/04/2026 at 11:00 AM (visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at 10:00 AM). Private internment at a later date.