Thomas Heinrichs Obituary

Thomas Joseph Heinrichs

Thomas Joseph Heinrichs of Toledo, Ohio, passed away at 84 years of age on January 21,2026 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. Under the care of hospice, he passed away peacefully from the decline of Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Attica, Ohio, December 24, 1941, to Clarence J. and Helen E. (Boes) Heinrichs, and married Kay Gordon in 1969.

Tom attended Attica High School (1960) and was a determined man to continue his education for many years later. He graduated from Heidelberg College/ University (1964), receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Social Studies; Onward, graduated from the University of Toledo, earning a Master's of Education in Counseling and Human Services (1989); Thereafter, he entered Wayne State University, attaining a degree specializing in Human Relations Training.

Tom worked 40-plus years within the City of Toledo. He was a communicator, negotiator, and problem solver, wearing many hats in administrative and management roles.

Beginning as a caseworker in his field, his career advanced forward to a social worker and supervisor in the Lucas County Human Resources and Welfare departments; then hired by the City of Toledo December 2, 1968, he was an associate then executive director of the BCR (Board of Community Relations); and then Assistant Commissioner of Employee Relations; During his journey appointed as the Administrator for Employee Relations Division he was overseeing contracts, negotiations grievances, safety training programs, and was a pivotal person in the creation of the Public Employee Retirement System put in place at that time. His final career advancement was to the Director/Commissioner of the Human Resources Department for the City of Toledo. He was responsible for directing activities serving over 3,000 City of Toledo Employees and working closely with the City of Toledo Manager and Mayor. Tom retired from the city June 3, 1994.

Tom received recognition as one of Toledo's Outstanding Young Men three times during the years 1973-1976, as well as named three times in the Editions of Outstanding Young Men of America during the years 1972 - 1976.

Tom personally conducted over 350 workshops in various areas of human relations skills. He helped develop the first human relations program for the Toledo public school system and designed the first youth conference for Toledo.

Throughout his career as a servant to the city or through individual counseling, he was extremely passionate about the well-being and direction of the city and his community. Even to the last of his days, he could carry on a conversation about what decisions the city was making and apply his vast opinion on the matter.

Outside of his work life, Tom had a number of interests that revolved around family, community affairs, church and outdoor activities. Tom was a year-round athlete in his young life (baseball, cross country, track and basketball). This love of sports transferred to supporting his children in all of their athletic dreams and adventures. During the working years, and certainly after retirement, he devoted much of his time to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was attending many of their activities, as a coach or as the number one fan, or whether it was advising or providing counseling and guidance to them, he was there.

Tom was very active and enjoyed running, biking, walking and karate… but his passion for golf was a highlight. Golf was a prime activity that he shared with his kids, friends, and even created a custom club-building business. At one time, along with a hometown friend, he had a brick-and-mortar near Attica called H & H Custom Clubs. Until 3 years ago, he was still building clubs for friends and family out of his home.

He was an avid reader, which can be affirmed by the vast collection of books he left behind - practically a library in the home!

As much as any good Ohioan, Tom had a love for the Browns, Indians, and especially The Ohio State Buckeyes! Whenever you saw Tom, except at church, he was wearing his traditional Ohio State Buckeye hat.

Tom had a loving heart and truly had others' well-being in mind. He was a servant to his city, his community and to his family. He had an unending quest to find something to give to others, to help, to give back, to listen, to solve, to relieve, to find peace. Tom, you were and are loved by so many. You will be missed.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kay; his son, Chris (Nicole); and daughter, Breana (Phil) Koffler; and grandchildren, Austin and Madeline Heinrichs and Avery and Reagan Koffler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Heinrichs; brother, Robert; and sister, Bonnie.

The Family thanks the staff of Brookdale Senior Living for all of the care in his last few weeks.

Friends and Family are invited to visit from 2 -7 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 5:30 p.m. at David-Jasin Hoening Funeral Home, 5300 N Summit Street, Toledo.

Mass of the Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 5153 N. Summit Street, Toledo, with the Rev. Fr. James Mornan as celebrant. A lunch will follow to share fellowship. Burial will follow at St Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Attica.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may consider giving to Brookdale Senior Living, 121 North Wintergreen Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402 and/or Memory Lane Care Services, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615.