Heppe, Robert Henry

Robert Henry Heppe, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. Visitation for friends and family will be held April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Parlor. Arrangements by Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Survivors include Bob's five children, Kristine and Willie Miller of Altadena, Calif., Kendall of Independence, Iowa, Karl of Cedar Rapids,

Kyle of Reno, Nev., and Karol Virginia Heppe of Vallejo, Calif.; grandchildren, Debra Heppe of Pasadena, Calif., Jason Miller (Casandra) of Pasadena, Robert and Danielle Miller of Altadena and Elizabeth Miller of Altadena; and one great-grandchild, Jayden Miller. Also surviving are one sister-in-law, Carol and Paul Manley of Des Moines; one niece and two nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, of 63 years; his parents; brother, Dwaine and Reta Heppe; sister, Arlene Dorothy Heppe; and infant daughter, Karol Elizabeth.

Bob was born Dec. 14, 1924, the son of Carl (Charley) and Christina (Bierschenk) Heppe in Vinton, Iowa. On June 9, 1945, he married Virginia Harper, also of Vinton. Bob and Virginia had been high school sweethearts, graduating from Washington High School.

Bob was a wonderful father, grandfather, friend and confidant whose support never wavered. He was always there for his family and he will be missed more than words can express for all who knew him.

Bob was an active member of the American Legion in which he held many posts, including county commander, district commander, state vice commander, adjutant and county finance officer to name just a few. He believed that every man and woman who served their country, and are eligible, should exercise their right to be a member of the great American Legion. At the time of his passing Bob was the 40 & 8's Grande Chef De Gare of the Benton County Voiture Locale 625, having been duly elected on Aug. 3, 2008.

Bob was a World War II veteran who served his country in the South Pacific on the USS Montpelier (CL57).

Bob was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and held many positions during that time.

A memorial fund has been established in the memory of Bob Heppe.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Bob's family on the webpage,  under Obituaries.