Charles Albert Heinrich

Charles “Charlie” Albert Heinrich (Opa) was born October 5, 1928, to Charles Albert and Ernestine Popp Heinrich in High Hill, Texas and he danced his way into heaven to the tune of a polka on September 9, 2026. Charlie was one of five children born into a German-speaking family with musical abilities. While a boy, he was known as a fast kid and prankster. Eighth grade was his last year of formal education and by the time he was 16, with his older brothers off to fight during World War II, he and grandma would move to Houston where they both got jobs. Although, he still made time for drinking, dancing, playing pool and other shenanigans. In April of 1952, Charlie married Angeline Bolcerek at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bellville, Texas. Afterwards he served in the Korean War for two years. In 1956, the first of six kids start rolling in. In 1973, with Ray Tabor, they started their own company: T & H Grinding. Opa still went to work ug until the last few months of his life. Opa, along with some friends, started their own country and western band called “The Old Timers” who played weddings, anniversaries, parties and at St. Rose of Lima functions. Opa loved five things: #1 was his church. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima for 71 years where he sang in the choir just like his dad who sang in the choir at St. Mary's in High Hill. He also belonged to the St. Rose Men's Club and his second home for many years was the Knights of Columbus Hall, Council 2917. #2 was his family. He loved to take his whole family on cruises and to New Braunfels, which was also the location for the Domino Bunch reunion where dad always looked forward to putt-putt golf, card games and intermingling with all who came during the past 52 years! #3 was his job. In the last days of his life, he still thought he was at the shop, barking orders at us all. #4 was music and dancing. Charlie was a smooth dancer and never without a partner. He enjoyed watching Mollie B. and Hee Haw. #5 was gambling at casinos, playing cards and dominoes. He was not above cheating every now and then! Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Angeline; his six kids: Charlene Yezak and her husband, Vincent; Dennis Heinrich and his wife, Lynda; Elaine Simmons and her husband, Dennis; Ronald Heinrich and his wife, Irma; Susan Heise and her husband, Robert; and Lori Banuelos and her husband, Charlie; 16 grandchildren: Melissa, Rebekah, Bret, Brittany, Brian, Bethany, Leslie, Garrett, Rachel, Clayton, Baron, Morgan, Alexia, Jessica , and Jacob, as well as as 32 great grandchildren. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ernestine Heinrich; brothers, Edgar, Edwin, and Clerus; sister, Anita; and great-grandson, Dayton Helms. He was a thankful, happy and blessed man! A visitation with the family will begin at 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 17, 2026. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 18, 2026, followed by a reception with the family. All services will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman Street in Houston, Texas. Charlie will be laid to rest at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston, Texas.

Charles Albert Heinrich

October 5, 1928 - September 9, 2026