Maynard G. “Buzz” Heitner
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 there will be a funeral service at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 at 11:00 AM (visitation will be one prior to the funeral (10:00-11:00), with a lunch to follow at the church. https://www.huberfunerals.com/
If you wish to watch Maynard’s Funeral Service, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/zRnkmkPC5W4
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 visitation will be held from 1:00pm -3:00 pm at Nasinec Funeral Home, 789 Business Park Drive, Wells, MN 56097. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Wells. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to any of the following: St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s 50th Anniversary Appeal, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Wells, and the Wells Veterans Memorial Fund.
Maynard George Heitner was born in Mankato, MN on January 31, 1927, the son of William and Erna (Scheider) Heitner. At his age of two months the family, which included daughter Carolyn Charlotte, age 6, moved to Preston, MN where William opened a furniture store as well as providing funeral service to the community.
Maynard was baptized in Mankato and later confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preston. He graduated from Preston High School where he was active in sports, music and drama. In 1948, he graduated from the University of Minnesota, Department of Mortuary Science.
Buzz married his high school sweetheart, Betty Gene Broadwater July 15, 1951. In 1952, they moved to Wells, MN where they and his parents opened the Heitner Funeral Home. Later, Maynard and Betty purchased his parents share and became the sole owners of the funeral home. Subsequently, they opened a funeral home in Minnesota Lake.
On December 1, 1986, they sold the two establishments to Stan and Kathy Bruss. Stan had worked with the Heitner Funeral Home for many years prior to his owning.
Maynard had been active in the Wells Community. In his church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, he had served 3 terms on the church council, had been a Sunday school teacher, a choir member and a member of the new building committee. He was elected to the office of Secretary of the former Minnesota District Brotherhood of the American Lutheran Church.
He was also very active in his professional organizations; he was a past president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (1966-1967) after having served many years on the board. He was elected to serve on the Minnesota State Board of Examiners, Minnesota Dept. of Health and later became a Chairman. He also served on the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States from 1972-1978 and served as their president in the last year of his term.
In Wells, Maynard was a co-founder of the Wells United Fund as well as the Area Veterans Memorial Park. The memorial park was a dream that he spent four years in development. The park was formally dedicated in 2012. This happened with the work and support of Gordon Hansen, Ila Teskey, Gary Hagen, Gary Kauffmann and Ryan Feist.
In 2012, Buzz and Betty moved to Eden Prairie to be close to their family. While living in Eden Prairie, Buzz remained active at St. Andrew Lutheran Church until his death.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Jeffrey (Lynne) Heitner of La Quinta, CA, Dr. Judson (Tracy) Heitner of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren, Andrew (Emily), Charles (Ali), and Jayne; along with three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Alice and Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carolyn, and beloved wife Betty Gene.
Deepest sympathy to all in the loss of Maynard. He was such a great gentleman. I remember Maynard and Betty fondly from their time in Wells. My parents enjoyed their friendship thru card clubs, fishing, business and Wells activities.
Our deepest sympathies to the family. No words can really describe Maynard’s contributions to this community.
Condolences to the Heitner family. Marynard and family were part of the lifeblood of the Wells community as well as our lives. I valued his assistance when I did a project for school. In closing, I’d like to share this saying “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always loved, still missed and very dear.” Rest in peace, faithful servant. You have more than earned your eternal reward.
When Jeff, Maynard’s son, informed me of his father’s death, he captured what all who knew him now feel, stating “He had 99 wonderful years touching all that knew him; he will be missed!” And indeed, Maynard touched all deeply and in a profound manner, with grace, dignity, kindness, and Christian love. He did this without fail, in every role and aspect of this life. I enjoy seeing his likeness at the top of these pages capturing his signature warm, inviting smile. I know without a doubt that Maynard has joined all the saints in Heaven.
My deepest sympathy to the Heitner family. Maynard was a very special person. May you find comfort in God’s peace. Maynard will be missed by many.
Condolences to the Heitner family, Maynard and Betty were a part of our parents lives and impacted our whole family, they were always a joy to be around, Maynard was a pillar in the community and will be greatly missed. I will always remember his soft voice and comforting smile.
I am so very sorry about your dad, Jeff. Over all these years to hear your stories about your parents. What a special life he had. They certainly raised wonderful men. Much love and deepest sympathies to the Heitner’s. Sandy and Todd Kellogg
R.I.P.
I’m not sure I ever met the man.
I do however have his old home made ice fishing spear!!! My buddy bought it at their rummage sale for me b4 they left Wells!!! It’s a great old spear with “carp killer ” welded onto it!!!!! I too will let some youngster enjoy using it soon!!
I just heard the sad news of Maynard’s death. My parents were good friends with Maynard and Betty. When my mother was dying, she said she was glad to know Maynard would be there for my dad. Maynard and my dad both spent some time at Summit Place with Maynard’s apartment directly above my dad’s. As my dad’s memory worsened, he was always relieved and comforted to see his friend and know he was just upstairs. They also worked closely on the Veterans Memorial. Maynard would tell stories of practical jokes they played. My sincere condolences to his family. He was a wonderful, good-hearted man.