Griffin Heinrich- Kluge

Griffin William Heinrich-Kluge, age 27, of Horicon, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the U.W. Hospital in Madison. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Griffin had his honor walk for the gift of life. Friday, April 24, 2026, on his 28th birthday, his heart continued to beat in a stranger.

A celebration of life for Griffin will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Mayville American Legion.

Griffin had a beautiful and loving heart. He was always willing to help a neighbor or anyone else who needed a hand. Griffin lived a life rooted in the outdoors and in the connections he built along the way. He found peace and joy in places like Horicon Marsh and Dodge County Ledge Park, where the quiet beauty of nature matched his steady spirit. Whether he was hunting at sunrise or fishing on a calm afternoon, those moments were where he felt most at home. He also loved being part of and attending his niece and nephews sporting events and school activities, always showing up to support and cheer others on. Some of his favorite times were spent lifting weights with his nephews, Luca, Adrian, and Dominic, encouraging them, sharing laughs, and building a bond that went far beyond the gym. Griffin shared countless memories and lessons with his mentor, Roy Zastrow, whose guidance meant a great deal to him. He also filled his years with laughter and adventure alongside his childhood friends Andrea, Zach, Michael, and Logan—friendships that stood the test of time and became some of his most cherished memories.

Griffin was a baptized member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville.

Griffin was currently working at Metalcraft at their Horicon location. He previously worked at several different jobs, including one at Seneca Foods.

Griffin had a special tenderness when it came to animals, and the family pets held a meaningful place in his heart. Above all, his bond with his beloved pitbull, Winnie, was something truly special. He was her person—her steady comfort, her playmate, and her safe place—and she, in turn, was a constant source of loyalty and joy in his life. Whether it was quiet moments at home or time spent outdoors together, their connection was unmistakable, a reflection of Griffin’s gentle nature and the deep love he gave so freely.

Griffin is survived by his mother Chris Heinrich; his brother Justin (Cynthia Ramos) Heinrich-Kluge; Justin’s children Ava, who steadfastly stayed by Griffin’s side in the ICU, Jett, and Cash; his sister Jessica (Rob Howell) Kluge; Jessica’s children Luca, Adrian, and Dominic; his sister Teal (Zach Hahn) Heinrich-Kluge; Teal’s children Eli and Leo; the twin’s father Sean Schuelke; his paternal grandparents Martin L. and Bonnie Kluge; uncle Kurt (Carolyn) Heinrich; Kurt’s children Victoria, Nathan, and Lauren; aunt Jenny (Andy) Wesner; Jenny’s children Allysia and Aubrey; other friends Mo and Ron Schuelke and Roy Zastrow; other dear family and friends.

Griffin is proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents William and Helen Heinrich; paternal grandma Mary Ann Kluge; nephew JJ Kluge; and cousins Alex and Amelia Wesner.

The family will forever be grateful to Mo and Ron Schuelke and Roy Zastrow. Griffin loved you dearly and they are so thankful for the love and support you showed to Griffin. They also want to express their thanks to Judie and John Hesprich, the local EMTs and the amazing medical team at the U.W. Hospital that cared for Griffin. They are especially grateful for Kayla, who guided them through Griffin’s final journey. They are eternally grateful that she treated Griffin with dignity and respect.

Addiction and depression are quiet, powerful struggles that do not discriminate—they can touch any life, regardless of strength, background, or circumstance. They are often carried silently, behind smiles and everyday routines, making them easy to misunderstand from the outside. In remembering Griffin, may we choose compassion over judgment, and kindness over assumptions, recognizing that everyone is fighting battles we may never fully see.