Wolfgang Heyn

Wolfgang is preceded in death by his father Gerhard Heyn, his mother Charlotte Gerber Heyn, his sister Renate (Heinz) Podshun, his loving wife Juanita Heyn and his daughter Gretchen Heyn. He is survived by his children Corbet (Nicole) Heyn, Kris Lanoue, Steve (Lisa) Lanoue, William (Kathy) Lanoue, Bridget Weyer, Brenda Heyn, & Carrie Heyn and many loving Grand and Great-Grand Children.

Born in Zwickau, Germany in 1939, Wolfgang immigrated to America in 1952, where he began his American life as a young farmhand. He later decided he didn't like having a boss and decided he would try being a musician. He loved Johnny Cash, so he taught himself guitar and music. After a few Wolfy Heyn gigs, he changed his name to Johnny West. Johnny West traveled extensively for over 30 years, playing music and filling up the clubs.

While performing in Harlan, Iowa he met his eventual wife of 38 years, Juanita Cadwell. That was the beginning of a life of many adventures together! 

Wolfgang and Juanita eventually settled down in Colorado City in 1974 to raise their growing family.  It was there that after a brief stint working as a gas station attendant for Skelly, he bought the Vac Shoppe. Determined to make it a success, Wolfgang worked 6 days a week at the Vac Shoppe feeding his family, paying bills and making customers happy. The Vac Shoppe was established in 5 cities (Colo City, Walsenburg, Trinidad, Raton, and Pueblo) and 7 locations. He was eventually forced into retirement in May 2022 after 42 years in business.

Throughout the years Wolfgang was known for his kindness to animals—especially his beloved dog Kaiser and any stray cat lucky enough to find him—his work ethic, his authenticity, his generosity to those in need, his keen sense of humor, and his loyalty to his wife, his family and his close friends and his customers. He is deeply missed by many.

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