Robert William Heister

Robert William ‘Bill’ Heister, surrounded in his family’s love, passed onto heavenly life Dec 14, 2024. Bill was born in Bernard, Iowa December 14, 1934 to Iliff and Edna (Wallroff) Heister. The country doctor later completed the birth certificate but transposed first and middle names. He was Billy to family and all. When joining the Army in 1954, a drill instructor firmly assured him that his first name was indeed Robert. 

Bill did basic training at Ft Chaffee, Arkansas in a generational drought that sent many city boys reeling. The country boys did OK. He was one of the two physically fittest soldiers in his 100 man basic training Company. Bill was a 2nd Calvary communications lineman in Japan. He was discharged at Ft Lewis, Wash. Military service was his great pride and included a 2015 Honor Flight. 

Eldest son of a 9 child farm family he worked hard. That priceless habit carried throughout his life. January 3, 1959 Bill met Martha Hardin, the love of his life. They wed Oct 10,1959 in Seneca, Wi. With Dubuque residence they were blessed with two healthy children before losing a third prenatally. 

Bill loved his 30 years at Dubuque John Deere Tractor Works. Prior, Maquoketa’s Clinton Engines and JH Case in Bettendorf were tolerated. In these ‘happy years’ Bill & Martha owned several well cared for and maintained apartment houses near Lincoln School. They were quite beloved by their renters. 

Bill & Martha retired early and hit the road with an RV. Arizona then Florida were tried. They became 'Winter Texans' in ‘The Valley’ in south Texas near the Rio Grande River. They were RV ‘Full-Timers’ for 25 years. Several years permanent residence followed in their winter retirement park. June 2023 Bill & Martha returned to Maquoketa, IA.

Despite the first RV years’ constant travel Bill & Martha visited their grandson, Brett, each spring and fall. During travel rest stops, Martha often found Bill mid-conversation with a perfect stranger. He left their company with a new friend. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one child, Charles John; 2 brothers and one sister- Hubert, Paul Richard and Mary.

Surviving are: wife Martha, son Ross (Jane) Heister, daughter Penny (Tony) Sanchez; grandchildren: Brett Stevens, Jimmy & Danny Sanchez, Tanya (Joe) Lourigan. Sisters: Alberta Waller, Shirley Gartman, Marie Klein. Brothers: Morgan Heister, Roger Heister. Plus numerous nieces & nephews.

Most importantly- many thanks to prayers and well wishers during Bill’s last 3 weeks. We survivors extend immense gratitude equally to: Dubuque Finley Hospitals' 5th floor and ICU staff; also Madison, WI Meriter Hospitals' 11th Floor Tower crew for their incredibly kind efforts, knowledge, and compassion during Bill’s final days. Much thanks to Meriter IMCU’s grace filled hospice care at the end.

Bill’s body will be cremated with a May, 2025 Maquoketa area celebration of his heart and soul.