Robert Heckert

Robert Heckert

8:30 a.m. MST, January 30, 2012

Robert H. "Bob" Heckert

  • age 76 of Philip, South Dakota , died January 24, 2012, at his home in Philip.

Robert Harry Heckert was born May 25, 1935, in VanTassel, Wyoming, the son of Harry and Grace (Messropian) Heckert. Later the family moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where Bob attended school. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force in 1955. He was honorably discharged in 1958. He moved to Englewood, Colorado and did various jobs before working for the City of Englewood.
Robert was united in marriage to Frances Meketuk on May 5, 1962, and to this union was born a son Michael J. Heckert. After seventeen years working for the city of Englewood, they moved to Lander, Wyoming, where he worked for the State of Wyoming for twenty years. After his retirement, Bob and Frances moved to Philip, South Dakota, where he has since resided.
Bob was a member of the Jehovah Witness for over thirty years, and was very involved in his faith.
His wife Frances preceded him in death on May 6, 2010. Bob later married a longtime friend, Madeline Garnier, from Pine Ridge, and made their home in Philip.
Bob enjoyed many hobbies, including cribbage, crossword puzzles, trains, and old western movies. He had many friends, and was very good at keeping in touch. His friends and family will always remember his kind and loving ways, as well as his infectious smile.
Bob is survived by his wife Madeline Heckert of Philip; his son Michael Heckert of Westminster, Colorado; a step-son Bradley Seydel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a step-daughter Pamela Pinney of Rapid City; five step-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Dirk Garnier, Sr.; four sister-in-laws Christine, Pauline, Louise, and Suzy; and special friends Cedric DeCory of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Henry Meketuk of Lander, Wyoming.
In addition to his first wife Frances; Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters Phyllis, Winifred, and Peggy; one brother Edward; and a special friend Dale Seydel.
Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (1111 Oriole Dr.) in Rapid City, with Henry Meketuk officiating.
A memorial is established.
Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 643, Philip, SD  57567, or P.O. Box 1056, Pine Ridge, SD  57770.