Date Posted: 2015-03-11

Chris Charles Heine, 90, of Cozad, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney.

Chris was born January 31, 1925, to Chris and Kathryn (Wieland) Heine on a farm 12 miles northwest of Lexington.

Chris attended rural District #59 school through the 8th grade and was a 1943 graduate of Lexington High School. During his high school years he farmed with his dad, and worked for a neighbor putting up hay. Chris registered for the draft in February of 1943, and was classified with a farm deferment. On December 29, 1948, he was called to serve in the United States Army during WWII. He served in Japan until his honorable discharge on July 14, 1949. Upon his return he farmed in partnership with his brother, Gilbert from 1953-1961. During this time he continued to run the corn-sheller that they had helped their dad run. They also did custom farming and fertilizer applications to help make ends meet.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Haugh on November 27, 1960, in Lexington, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Kristin Sue, Shelly Jo and Jeffrey Chris. Chris continued to farm with his son Jeff after he graduated from college in 1988. He so enjoyed the time spent farming with his son.

Chris loved the farm. He enjoyed working the cattle, planting the fields, and being outdoors. His hobbies always included something that either needed fixing or repairing, jobs he thoroughly enjoyed. He also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, the Dawson County Fair, and going to the grandchildren’s activities. He was a kind, gentle man with an infectious smile who loved his wife, children and grandchildren very much.

Chris attended LexChristian Church, served two terms on the Lexington COOP Board and the Farm Bureau.

Chris gave his life to Christ at an early age while attending the Lutheran Church.

Waiting to join Chris in Heaven are his wife of 54 years, Shirley Heine of rural Cozad, Nebraska; his children, Jeff (Lauree) Heine of Lexington, Nebraska, Shelly (Dale) Henderson of Cozad, Nebraska, and Kristin Heine of Lexington, Nebraska; one sister, Twila Smith of Cozad, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Jacque Henderson of Kearney, Nebraska, Neil Henderson of Cozad, Nebraska, Amanda McCarter (Ben Jensen), and Samantha Shaw (Calvin “C.J.”); four great-grandchildren, Payton Pond, Lani Shaw, Dalton McCarter, and Hailey Jensen, as well as extended family members and friends.

Chris was greeted into Heaven by his parents, Chris & Katie, and one brother, Gilbert.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastor Daniel Sauer officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Hillside Cemetery northwest of Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com