Ernest Otto Heinl Sr.

Ernest Otto Heinl Sr., 90, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully at Complete Care in Severna Park on April 30, 2025. He was born of Otto Heinl and Marie Schack in the then-Sudeten German (now Cheb) town of Schonbach (now Luby), Czech Republic on December 1, 1934. His family was professionally engaged in the prestigious Schonbach violin industry, until WWII took away his father and home. With his mother and sister, Rosemarie Haas, Ernest moved to the United States in 1949, settling in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ernest served as a tank driver in the Army, where he not only performed his duties with unwavering dedication but also found joy in playing soccer on the Army team, traveling through Europe in an undefeated season. Beyond his service, Ernest had a profound love for the great outdoors. He relished camping trips filled with laughter, fishing in tranquil waters, and hunting, where conversations about life and nature would flourish. 

Music was another passion that echoed throughout Ernest's life. He had a natural talent for playing the violin, organ, and accordion. Ernest was a true craftsman, known for his ability to work with his hands, building and creating with precision and care. He poured his heart into everything he constructed. Above all, family was his greatest treasure; his love for family was boundless, especially for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Rosemarie Grogan.

 Ernest is survived by his devoted wife, Doris Hyson Heinl, with whom he shared 69 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family that includes their children, Ernest O. Heinl Jr. (Cheryl Bertram), Steven Heinl (Barbara Mohr) and Patti Heinl Crowe (Mark). His legacy will live on through his cherished grandchildren, Mandi (Ryan McMullen), Christopher (Sara Grogan), Steven (Mandee Heinl), Coty (Tyler Smootz), Matthew Heinl (Dana Miller), Taylor Heinl, Lisamarie (Steven Ricketts) and Kelli (Aaron Walker). He will also be missed by his beloved great-grandchildren, Greta and Magnus McMullen, Tanner, Gabe, Dax and Janie Grogan, Sam and Olivia Heinl, Oaklee Smootz, Cruz and Saylor Ricketts and Ezra Otto Walker.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4th, at Singleton Funeral and Cremation Services P.A. in Glen Burnie, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and then again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 5th, 12:30 PM, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park.