Charles "Chuck" Heitsch

Charles "Chuck" Heitsch, formerly of Bourbon, Mo, passed unexpectedly Thursday Dec. 14, 2017, of a ruptured aortic aneurism. Born Sept. 19,1958, in Ann Arbor Mich., the fourth of five children.

Learning to talk was an extreme challenge, as he was born deaf and autistic. Graduated South County Technical School, St. Louis in June 1979 where he learned drafting and sheet metal work. Chuck enjoyed creating beautiful copper lanterns and other objects, selling at crafts fairs, working custom jobs and making gifts for friends and family, swimming with nieces and nephews and working with machines and computers. His patience and sunny disposition brought joy and inspired those around him. Helped his parents grow apples at Ridge Orchards in Bourbon, Missouri. Strong and loyal, he was a gentle and dedicated caretaker of his father Charles and mother Leona. He was a resident of Bayfield since July 2017.

Survived by his mother Leona Carrie Mason Heitsch, sisters Carrie, Grace and Irene Heitsch, brother Russell and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father Charles W Heitsch.

A small family service was held at internment on Dec.16, 2017

In lieu of flowers, please send donation to: Lifehorse (www.lifehorseva.org) therapeutic riding program for persons of varying abilities, c/o Carolyn Miller, 4138 Mt. Airy Rd., Culpeper, VA 22701