Jody Ann Gaertner-Shimmel (Heinz)

Ms. Jody Ann Gaertner-Shimmel (Heinz) passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by family. Age 68 years. Jody was born August 23, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan to Henry “Fred” Heinz and Elspath “Ellie” Heinz (Wright).

Jody was employed at Saginaw ISD for many years. She had many loves, including dragonflies, pugs, cooking, baking, motorcycles, and traveling, especially to Arizona, Japan, and Hawaii.

Jody is survived by her son, Paul Gaertner; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Gaertner, grandson, Tristen Gaertner; granddaughter, Chloe Gaertner; three brothers, Mark (Mary) Heinz, Jedd (Darci) Heinz, and Troy (Lynn) Heinz; nieces and nephews, Michelle (Justin) Fowler, Makenzie Heinz, Jordan, Taylor, and Alexis Heinz, Logan Mika, Kristine (Danny) DeLeon, Henry and Olivia DeLeon, Kurt Rodriguez (Veronica Moore); special friends, Maria Gordon, and Robin Wessondecaire; and two special dogs, Charlie and Callie.

Jody was preceded in death by her father, Henry “Fred” Heinz, and her mother Elspath “Ellie” Heinz (Wright), sister, Kimber Rodriguez, and niece Nicole Mika.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Ascension St. Mary’s of Saginaw, Michigan, and the staff at Symphony Tri-Cities in Bay City, Michigan, especially Maddie and Julie.