1981
Dylan
2015
Dylan Edward Heinonen
December 1, 1981 — November 24, 2015
Trenary
Dylan Edward Heinonen, age 33, of Trenary, died unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 doing what he loved at his most favorite spot. He was born in Munising, Michigan on December 1, 1981 to Daniel and Kelly (Cady) Heinonen.
Dylan graduated from Superior Central High School in 2000. After graduation, he followed in his father's and brother's footsteps and left for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina for basic training. Dylan was a combat engineer and an excellent marksman. Following his first deployment to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Dylan volunteered for a second tour, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in battle. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 2004. Following the Marine Corps, Dylan began moving from state to state across the Midwest until he was able to convince Dena, his middle school sweetheart, to move back home to be surrounded by their family and friends to start their own family. On September 1, 2012, Dylan married Dena Gantkessy, and in 2013, they were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Ailie Sue.
Dylan had been serving his apprenticeship as a welder for the Ironworkers Union #8, and was currently employed at Neenah Paper in Munising.
He enjoyed the many good times he had with friends and older cousins, who lovingly named him "Dewey." His times spent at the Heinonen farm and cruising the back roads around Trenary, or "Going around the horn" were some of his fondest memories.
Dylan was an avid outdoorsman, whose favorite time of the year was the beginning of fall, which would bring him out into the woods where he felt most comfortable. Dylan's greatest accomplishment was becoming a father. He embraced the responsibility and shared his love for the outdoors with Ailie. They would pick apples, bait the deer, and go for their beloved four-wheeler rides where Ailie would find a way to take a nap with her dad. Dylan had a huge heart, and lived life to the fullest.
Dylan is survived by his loving and devoted wife - Dena Heinonen of Chatham; his beautiful spitting image daughter - Ailie Heinonen; parents - Daniel and Kelly Heinonen of Trenary; brother - Justin Heinonen of Trenary; grandparents - Tom and Audrey Heinonen; nephews - Jack and Ben Heinonen and Travis Niemi; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Sig and Les Cady and aunt Stephanie Nordness.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Dylan's memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and Ikkala Brothers VFW Honor Guards at the church following the memorial service.
Dylan Edward Heinonen, age 33, of Trenary, died unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 doing what he loved at his most favorite spot. He was born in Munising, Michigan on December 1, 1981 to Daniel and Kelly (Cady) Heinonen.
Dylan graduated from Superior Central High School in 2000. After graduation, he followed in his father's and brother's footsteps and left for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina for basic training. Dylan was a combat engineer and an excellent marksman. Following his first deployment to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Dylan volunteered for a second tour, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in battle. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 2004. Following the Marine Corps, Dylan began moving from state to state across the Midwest until he was able to convince Dena, his middle school sweetheart, to move back home to be surrounded by their family and friends to start their own family. On September 1, 2012, Dylan married Dena Gantkessy, and in 2013, they were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Ailie Sue.
Dylan had been serving his apprenticeship as a welder for the Ironworkers Union #8, and was currently employed at Neenah Paper in Munising.
He enjoyed the many good times he had with friends and older cousins, who lovingly named him "Dewey." His times spent at the Heinonen farm and cruising the back roads around Trenary, or "Going around the horn" were some of his fondest memories.
Dylan was an avid outdoorsman, whose favorite time of the year was the beginning of fall, which would bring him out into the woods where he felt most comfortable. Dylan's greatest accomplishment was becoming a father. He embraced the responsibility and shared his love for the outdoors with Ailie. They would pick apples, bait the deer, and go for their beloved four-wheeler rides where Ailie would find a way to take a nap with her dad. Dylan had a huge heart, and lived life to the fullest.
Dylan is survived by his loving and devoted wife - Dena Heinonen of Chatham; his beautiful spitting image daughter - Ailie Heinonen; parents - Daniel and Kelly Heinonen of Trenary; brother - Justin Heinonen of Trenary; grandparents - Tom and Audrey Heinonen; nephews - Jack and Ben Heinonen and Travis Niemi; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Sig and Les Cady and aunt Stephanie Nordness.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Dylan's memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and Ikkala Brothers VFW Honor Guards at the church following the memorial service.
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