Wayne Douglas Heinonen

Wayne Douglas Heinonen, 69, of Conneaut, passed away on November 11, 2021, at UH Geauga Medical Center. He was born on October 27, 1952, in Conneaut, Ohio, the son of Wallace and Marie (Moyer) Heinonen, Sr.

Wayne was a 1971 graduate of Edgewood High School. He was owner/operator of Dr. Feelgoods Lounge along with his brother Sonny for 25 years. He started his career working as a bartender at the Middle Earth, a local bar. Wayne dreamed of owning his own bar, which came true in 1979. Dr. Feelgoods was famous for top level entertainment…Taylor Dayne, Donny Iris, Fayrewether, the Michael Stanley Band, and Cleveland were some of the more notable national acts that played the Feelgoods stage along with the cornucopia of top-notch talent from the tri-state area, including plenty of local bands that graced the Feelgoods stage.

Stand up comedians, the Chicago Knockers, a ladies mud wrestling team, and of course Caesar the wrestling bear, to name only a few of the many side shows that Wayne would book for a Friday of Saturday nights entertainment for the masses.

Wayne spent some time in Hollywood auditioning for different roles, getting a couple, but mostly not. While there he appeared on a couple of national game shows. But mostly just enjoyed enjoying life in L.A.

Wayne also worked for Elite Security Agency as a bodyguard. Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Jerry Springer were two of his more famous clients while employed there.

Wayne lived a full and exciting life. Owning Dr. Feelgoods, bodyguard, chasing his Hollywood dream, successful runs as a local softball championship team, on TV contestant on the game show Weakest Link, or even his 7 times wrestling Caesar the 800 lb. bear, where Wayne has an 0-7 record. Wayne has been blessed.

If you’re over 40 and from the Ohio/Pennsylvania area, you surely have some sort of story about Wayne. A legend in his own time, he will be missed so very dearly by so many.

Wayne was a member of New Leaf United Methodist Church, and Merchant Marine, sailing on the Great Lakes. He enjoyed boating, trips to Florida, playing on the Dr. Feelgoods travel slow-pitch softball team, and broadcasting sports for Conneaut High School sports teams. He had a true love for family and enjoyed talking to people.

Survivors include his mother Marie Heinonen of Conneaut; his brothers Sonny (Linda) Heinonen of Conneaut, Daniel (Donna) Heinonen of Conneaut, Mark (Lisa) Heinonen of N. Kingsville, and King (Missy) Heinonen of Conneaut; his son Kyle Dratwa of Charlottesville, VA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Wallace in 2009.

Funeral service will be 6:00 PM, Tuesday, November, 16, 2021 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 110 Gateway Ave. with Pastor Russ Ham officiating.

Visitation will be Tuesday at New Leaf United Methodist Church 1:00-3:00 PM and 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:00 PM.

Social distancing and masks are recommended but not mandatory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Conneaut Athletic Boosters, envelopes will be available at the church and also at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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