Heinz Pelke

Heinz Manfred Pelke left this earth to explore new and greater places, and though our hearts ache, we find comfort knowing his spirit lives on.

He was born in Nirmsdorf, Germany on April 28, 1945 and immigrated to the United States on his 19th birthday in 1964. He honorably served in the United States Air Force as he wanted to give back to the country he loved. While stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in New York, he met Antoinette "Toni" Renzi. They were married on January 6, 1968, in Peekskill, NY at the Church of the Assumption.

During Heinz's active duty, he and Toni traveled extensively and lived in Hawaii, the Philippines, and South Korea. They settled in Rochester, MN, where they raised their four children: Janice, Michael, Stefanie and Heidi. His 13 grandchildren brought him immense joy and he was honored beyond measure to have three grandsons carry his name forward as their middle name.

Heinz enjoyed working on projects around the house, playing games with his kids and grandkids, taking long road trips, planning the annual Pelke Olympics, going fishing on the Mississippi River with his family and listening to music - especially Freddie Quinn.

Above all else, he was a loving Dad. He showed up, he listened, and he loved with his whole heart. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will live on through his family forever. Words cannot capture how deeply he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Von Pelke Weber; his siblings Hella, Charlotte, Gunther and Franz; his brother-in-laws Enrico, Augostino and Vinny Renzi; and his nephews Richard Hess, Steve Kiehne, and niece Lisa Emery.

He is survived by his wife Toni, daughter Janice (Kevlin) Frerks, son Michael (Jill) Pelke, daughter Stefanie (Jason) Hegrenes, and daughter Heidi (Josh) Arndt. His grandchildren: Joshua, Bella and Samuel Frerks; Olivia, Mason and Lauren Pelke; Emily, Owen, Eli, and Evan Hegrenes; and Morgan, Roman and Griffin Arndt. Sisters Anneliese Hess and Gisela Zimmer; brothers-and-sisters-in-law Bruno and Margaret Renzi, Ann and Bill Macrae and Minnesota nephews Scott and Randy (Margaret) Kiehne, and countless nieces and nephews from around the country.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, (5421 Royal Place NW), Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday, December 28, 2025, and one hour prior to the service at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home. A private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery with a military salute.

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Hospice for their compassionate care of Heinz and his family.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pelke family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.