David Michael Heinrichs

David Michael Heinrichs, age 57, of Lake Elmo, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, William; brother, Jeffrey; and father-in-law, Larry Wolterman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Lori; children, Ethan, Elliot, and Emerson; mother, Sally Heinrichs; sisters, Theresa (Keith) Schelp and Jennifer (Ryan) Fasbender; and many other loving family members, friends, students, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know him.

David grew up in Carroll, Iowa, where his lifelong love of the outdoors first took root. As a young man, he treasured hunting with his father, brother, cousins, and friends. He also loved football, basketball, golf, fishing, and simply being outside. After high school, David proudly served in the Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

David earned his undergraduate degree in Soil Science and began his career in wetland science and environmental consulting, which embraced his lifelong love of nature. He had a gift for understanding the outdoors and could name nearly every plant, animal, bird, or tree he encountered. Nature was not just something David enjoyed; it was part of who he was.

David's greatest joy and proudest purpose was his family. He was a devoted husband to Lori and an amazing father to Ethan, Elliot, and Emerson. Over the years, he coached basketball and football teams for his children, cheered from the sidelines at games and from the audience at dance and theater performances, helped with homework, encouraged dreams, and taught practical things around the house, including any excuse to use a power tool. He helped his children appreciate nature, history, and the love of a good movie. Along the way, he kept them laughing with funny stories, dad jokes, and reminders not to take life too seriously. Together, David and Lori built a family life filled with laughter, backyard projects, family vacations, and ordinary moments his family will treasure. David was a big Iowa Hawkeye fan, a love he shared with Lori and passed along to his kids. David was always there for his family, and his children knew he was their champion in everything they did.

When his children were young, David followed his passion to be a teacher. The same patience, humor, and encouragement that made him such a wonderful father also shaped the way he taught. His teaching career took him to several elementary schools, most recently Middleton Elementary in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he taught fifth grade. David loved being a teacher. His goal was never simply to teach lessons, but to make each student feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for. His family loved hearing the stories about his students, and it was clear how much joy and purpose teaching brought to his life.

David also shared his kind heart alongside his beloved dog, Spirit, as part of a therapy dog team. Together, they visited senior living homes each week, bringing comfort, connection, and joy to many residents, especially those in memory care. It was a beautiful reflection of David's heart: patient, kind, tender, and full of love.

David's life will be celebrated by the family he loved with his whole heart, the students and colleagues he cared for so deeply, the friends he treasured, and the seniors he comforted. He will be remembered for his humor, his stories, his hugs, and the laughter he brought into the world. He will be missed beyond words and remembered with endless love.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury. Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery, Bayport. Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, and one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to one of the following organizations, each of which reflects something meaningful about David's life:

SoWashCo CARES - Directed to Middleton Elementary

https://sowashcocares.org/

The Middleton Elementary community meant so much to David. A gift in his memory will honor the students, teachers, and school community he cared for so deeply.

Pet Partners

https://petpartners.org/donate/more-ways-to-give/

David understood the quiet power of an animal to comfort and heal. His family often called him the dog whisperer because of the way he connected with dogs.

American Heart Association - Honor & Memorial Giving

https://www.heart.org/en/honor-memorial

David lived with heart disease for much of his life, and heart health was deeply meaningful to his family. A gift in his memory supports the work of healing hearts and helping others live longer, healthier lives.

When making a memorial gift, please include David's name as the notification recipient so the family may acknowledge your kindness.