Robert Heggen Obituary

Robert Allen Heggen, aged 91, passed away peacefully on March 2nd in hospice at the Scottish Rite Healthcare center. Bob was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 10th, 1931. He attended North High School and graduated in 1950. He attended Drake University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Journalism. He was drafted into the army after graduation from Drake and did his basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He was stationed in Germany for two years and received an honorable discharge and good conduct medal in 1956.

After returning from Germany, Bob attended the University of Iowa and received his MBA in 1958. After completing his degree at Iowa, Bob worked at Drake University in the Admissions and Financial Aid department for 35 years. While at Drake, Bob met his future wife Sue and they were married at Westminster Church on June 10, 1961. They moved to Wheaton IL, where Bob traveled to various high schools to promote Drake University. They had two children, John and Mary while living in Wheaton. The new family lived briefly in Milwaukee, WI and then Morton, IL before returning to Des Moines.

Bob was a 50 year member of Central Presbyterian Church where he and Sue served in various capacities including Deacons, Elders and helping with church mailings and cleanup after Sunday services.

Bob was a very proud Grandpa and loved to attend his grandsons’ activities. He also loved gardening and would always have marigolds, and large crops of zucchini and tomatoes.

One of Bob’s favorite places in the world was at their cabin on Long Lake near Park Rapids, Minnesota. He loved spending summers there with his family and grandchildren as they grew up.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sue, of 61 years, son John (Rhonda) Heggen, of Waukee, IA, daughter Mary (Randy) Swanson of New Virginia, IA, 5 grandchildren : Scott Heggen (Kandy), Mark Heggen, Ben Swanson (Lea Serres), Will Swanson, and Joe Swanson, and nieces and nephews who have always held a special spot in his heart.
The family would like to thank all of the caring staff at Scottish Rite Park and Suncrest Hospice.

The memorial service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 31st. A private family burial will be help on Saturday, April 1st. Memorials in Bob’s honor may be made to Central Presbyterian Church or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Bob’s service will be livestreamed by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8abHVPMy0-I



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