George Michael Heenan

George Michael Heenan, 85, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Deephaven, Feb. 20, 2025. He was born June 4, 1939, to George and Margaret (Riordan) Heenan. George grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and attended Heelan High School where he met the love of his life, Lucille Blum. They were married Aug. 20, 1960, before he graduated from St. Ambrose University. They moved to Rapid City where George worked on the Titan Missile Project. When George accepted a position with Honeywell, they moved to Minneapolis where he worked on the Apollo Program. George and Lu were the proud parents of three: Mike, Sue and Lynda. They spent many years on Gray's Bay on Lake Minnetonka where they loved spending time with family, hosting parties, water skiing on the lake, organizing family trips and always setting an amazing example of how to love. In his retirement years, George found great joy attending his grandchildren's sporting events, shows and other activities. He always entered a room with a big smile and a welcoming laugh. He joined Medtronic in the late '60s where he found his passion for medical devices and a love for values-based leadership and corporate ethics. He loved his years at Medtronic where he held a number of different positions, including senior vice president of Research/New Ventures. He spent most of his later career as a venture capitalist in the medical device field. He served as an executive fellow for the Institute for Strategic Management at the University of St. Thomas, where he became a mentor for many young entrepreneurs. George served on numerous boards and was active in charitable giving. In his consulting work, he found joy in developing not just business strategies, but personal and meaningful relationships that endured over time. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in Brooklyn Center for 10 years. George was a man of faith, and always active in his parish over the years. One meaningful practice to him was the many years he spent making an annual retreat at Demontreville. Perhaps what is most remarkable about George was his unwavering devotion and love for his wife, Lucille, especially over the last few years following her progression of Alzheimers and pulmonary fibrosis. He never left her side, always caring for her and loving her completely. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary, Helen, Patricia and Ruth; many brothers- and sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Lucille; children, Mike Heenan, Sue (Steve) Skinner and Lynda Heenan; grandchildren Katie (Chris) Clarkson, Nick (Sammy) Alveshere, Sarah (Gavin) Potts, Matt (Olivia) Alveshere, Kelly Heenan and Michael Heenan, Jr.; and three great-grandchildren, Hattie, Walter and Luke, as well as sisters-in-law Marci Blum OSF and Joan Blum; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass is planned for March 6, 2025, at St. Therese Church in Deephaven. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with mass at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow. Memorials may be made to the Heenan Foundation, 18025 Minnetonka Blvd. #103, Wayzata, MN 55391. www.Washburn-McReavy.com

Tributes

George Michael Heenan

June 4, 1939 - February 20, 2025

Tributes

George Michael Heenan

June 4, 1939 - February 20, 2025

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