Wallace Wally Heaton, 76, died Monday, July 27, 2009 at his residence in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen Officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service and Masonic Service to follow on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until time of services on Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Wallace Gene Heaton was born June 15, 1933 at Gatzke, MN, the son of Erwin St. Clair and Emma Christina (Johnson) Heaton. He was baptized October 7, 1933 at Lunstad Lutheran Church, Gatzke, MN and confirmed August 31, 1947 at United Lutheran Church, Gatzke, MN. He attended School District 103 in Marshall County, MN and Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, MN. Wally entered the United States Navy and served his country from April 24, 1952 until his honorable discharge, April 24, 1956. He served 2 years at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and 2 years at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD.

On September 8, 1956, Wally was united in marriage to Patricia Frost at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad, Hartz Warehouse, Thief River Falls Police Department, Pennington County sheriff's Department, and retired from the Minnesota State Patrol as radio operator in 1993. He also owned and operated many small businesses.

Wally married Delores Jones-Kainz, June 20, 1998 at Faith Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN. The couple was active at church and took part in confirmation instruction classes.

Wally was generous to a fault; he would stop to help anyone in need. He was known for his sense of humor, positive attitude and for always feeling, perfect. Wally loved deer hunting with his family and friends, fishing; and traveling and camping with Dolly in their RV. He lived his life as a Christian. He held memberships in the Masons, Eagles, Lions, American Legion, Minnesota Peace Officers Association and was a Cub Scout Leader.

Wally is survived by wife, Dolly, Thief River Falls, MN; children, Gary (Judy) Heaton, Mandan, ND, Paul (Stephanie) Heaton, Goodridge, MN, David (Jill) Heaton, Coventry, CT, Richard (Yvonne) Heaton, Goodridge. MN, and Melinda (Bryan) Amiot, Staples, MN; stepchildren, Kent (Gayleen) Kainz, Thief River Falls, MN, Kraig (Heidi) Kainz, Goodridge, MN and Kurt (Deanna) Kainz, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Brandon, Shannon (Kris) Wood, Jennifer (Chad) Stromlund, Tricia (Jake) Larson, Emma, Jeremy, Melissa, Tomas, Mikelalen, Rachel, Katie and Tiffany; step grandchildren, Hannah, Lillian, Kelsey, Leah, Kiefer, Kaitlin, Daylyn and Kannon; a great grandchild, Amelie; sisters, Elaine (Wilson) Wardwell Jr., Carlsbad, NM, and Delores Long, Virginia, MN; brother, Dale (Alice) Heaton, Moose Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia, son Rodney, parents, and grandparents.