Robert W. “Bob” Heitke, 85, Paynesville

March 22, 1929 - January 7, 2015

Memorial services celebrating the life of Robert W. “Bob” Heitke, 85 of Paynesville will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Bob passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Pastor Ric Koehn will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Grace United Methodist. Arrangements are with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville.

Bob was born on March 22, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late William and Esther (Miller) Heitke. He was raised in rural Paynesville and attended a country school nearby. Bob met his wife, Carol, while attending Salem Church and they married on October 6, 1951 at Carol’s parent’s home. Bob and Carol resided in rural Paynesville where they farmed. Bob also did some part time truck driving for William Weber and Sylvester Neu and was employed for Zion Rural Telephone Company. He was a member of Salem Church and Grace United Methodist.

Bob loved fast pitch softball and played third base for many years. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, deer hunting, fishing and going to snowmobile and stock car races. Bob will be remembered for his daily trips to the coffee shop and shaking dice.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol of Paynesville; children, Bill (Ruth) of Paynesville, Kim (Mark) Hoff of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Steve (Trish), Laurie and Ross Barten; great-granddaughters, McKenna, Kinley and Macey Barten; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in deaths by three infant sons; and brother, Howard Heitke.

A heartfelt thank you to the ICU staff at the St. Cloud Hospital for their loving care.

Memorials are preferred to Salem Church.