Christopher Michael Heine

Christopher Michael Heine, 39, of Apple Valley, MN passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday May 4, 2026 after a lifelong battle with alcoholism. He was surrounded at the hospital by the love of his family and friends. Born on February 26, 1987 to Jerry and Patricia Heine, Chris spent his childhood and teenage years in Wayzata, MN and attended school in the Wayzata school district. After completing rehab in 2004 at Hazelden, Chris moved to Port Townsend, Washington to continue his sobriety journey and graduated from Port Townsend High School in 2005. It was during this time that he worked in a restaurant as a busser and discovered a passion for cooking. Sober and with a fresh outlook on life, Chris moved home to Minnesota and attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, graduating in 2006. He then moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona to work as a chef at Gold Canyon Golf Resort and Ruth Chris Steakhouse. In 2010, Chris returned to his roots in Minnesota to be closer to family and friends and continued his career in the restaurant industry. Chris purchased a home in Apple Valley in 2021, where he resided until his passing. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, June 12th at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 55408. A gathering at Wayzata Muni to follow the service. Chris was a caring soul and had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome. He had a trademark laugh and a gentle nature. He had a passion for animals and leaves behind his loyal ferret, Tigger. Chris enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, sitting by a bonfire, cookouts, and setting off fireworks (the good ones). Chris was an avid war history buff and enjoyed a good game of Risk. Chris liked watching sports, movies, and TV shows. He had a perfect Lady's Man impression and was never short on quotes from South Park or Family Guy. Chris is survived by parents Jerry and Patricia Heine; sisters Christine Heine and Catherine Heine; fiancé Maria Santos;many other relatives and friends Graveside memorial service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery with a luncheon/gathering after at Wayzata Muni. Date and time to follow at a later date. In leu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society.

Christopher Michael Heine

February 26, 1987 - May 4, 2026

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