Judith Ann Heintschel's Obituary
Judith Ann “Judy” Heintschel
September 21, 1939 - March 20, 2024
Judy died peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved husband of 64 years and her family. She was the daughter of Orville and Evelyn Grimes, born in Toledo, OH. As a child, she and her seven siblings and extended family spent many summers at their cottage, The Laura E. on Lake Erie.
Judy met Marvin Heintschel, the love of her life, at Mel’s Diner (the local car hop) in 1958. They married in1960 and moved to Escondido, CA. Together, they raised six sons, all of whom grew into the kinds of men that bring great honor to Marvin, Judy, and the whole Heintschel and Grimes families.
In the 1970s, Judy was an avid bowler. She competed in league play for many years. Her entrepreneurial spirit spurred her and Marvin to open Heintschel’s Family Restaurant in San Marcos, CA. The legacy of Heintschel’s lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember her enormous cinnamon rolls (a local favorite).
The center of Judy’s life was her love for Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church. She, Marvin, and their sons generously supported their local parish, St. Mary Catholic Church (Escondido), for many decades. Judy’s six sons attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, and many of her grandchildren followed suit. Marvin and Judy were heavily involved in school and parish fundraisers, sports, and festivals. For many years, Judy almost single-handedly innovated and organized the hot lunch program at St. Mary’s School, feeding hundreds of children five days per week at great personal cost. Judy also spent many years baking pies for Interfaith Community Services on holidays. She will always be known for the incredible quality of her baking; but more so for the generosity of her heart in serving others.
Judy loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. She enjoyed puzzles, baking, painting, pencil drawings, and reading. Judy was preceded in death by her siblings, Gordon Grimes, Sharon Clark, David Grimes, and Joy Arthur; and her eldest son, Marvin Jr.. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, Sr.; her sons, Matthew (Lisa), Michael (Kim), Mark, Charles, and Christopher (Marissa); her siblings, Steve, Joanne, and Brian; her daughter-in-law, Doreen; her 19 grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren.
Her funeral Mass will be offered at St. Mary Catholic Church (Escondido, CA) at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. It will be preceded by the Holy Rosary at 9:30am, and followed by her burial at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 1:00pm. Judy’s earthly remains are in the care of Alhiser-Comer Mortuary. May Judy Heintschel and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?
