Dr. Robert George Heimerl (Bob), beloved patriarch of his large family, died on June 9, 2018 at home. He was born on February 22, 1924 in Chicago, IL, the son of Leo and Mayme Heimerl. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carla, and his children Chris and Sandra Heimerl; Stan and Diane Heimerl Zweifel; Kim and Becky Heimerl; Bill and Carla Jean Heimerl Skerbeck and Tom and Susie Heimerl Kopp.
He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, their spouses and 13 great grandchildren. Bob truly believed… Read More » his purpose in life was to assure each child that s/he was his favorite, the center of his universe. He is also survived by his sister Carol (“Skirts”) and three of her daughters and their families.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Carla’s parents, a brother, baby daughter, grandson Nicholas, a brother-in-law, niece and too many friends. Bob served as an officer in the Navy during World War 11 in the South Pacific. In 1950, he graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry.
When he opened the door to his dental office in Evansville Wisconsin, he simultaneously began his career in community service. Bob’s most prized gift to Evansville was his vision. He recognized that this growing community would need a swimming pool, golf course, and nursing home.
He played a vital role in the creation of all three from the first shovels full of dirt at groundbreaking to 40 years on the Manor Board of Directors. In the meantime, he built part of his home, was head of the “Fourth of GI” parade, Commander of the American Legion, president of Little Theater (the community theater) and the Lions Club. Bob was secretary of his bowling league and launched his family and a lot of his kids’ friends into loving the outdoors by buying a tent, camp stove, boat and water skis.
He helped build a hunting cabin up north, and though sorely lacking in rifle skills, he mastered the camp kitchen. In 1989 he closed the door to his dental office and began careers as artist, traveler and elder jock. He took classes in watercolor, framing and matting, jewelry making, metal art, pottery and stained glass.
His family was immensely pleased when he gave up pottery but cherish his beautiful stained glass pieces. He traded in the tent for a motor home, threw in his golf clubs, tennis racket, bike and running shoes and with Carla as navigator, took off. Bob loved jazz, blues, the Madison Symphony, live theater, and strawberries.
He did not like cats, green beans, the Great Depression or war. Alas, alas he is gone from us. We hear the angels clapping.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday June 30 at 11 a.m. at Creekside Place with fellowship and lunch to follow. Bob would be grateful for gifts to the Aware Agency, 209 S First, Evansville; the Evansville Fund, 26 S Jackson St. Janesville; or a charity of choice.
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