Obituary of Bob Heeren

     Robert Gene “Bob” Heeren passed peacefully to eternal rest on January 31, 2021 after a brief relapse of cancer, with family at his side.

     Raised in Edwardsville, IL, Bob’s life passions were spurred in his youth -- the joy of vocal performance,a fascination with math and science education, and enthusiasm for the natural world.  As a youngster, Bob enjoyed Boy Scouts alongside his childhood friends & proudly attained the Eagle Scout award.  He later attended college at Purdue University (BS in EE 1960) & University of Illinois (Masters 1962, PhD 1968).  Bob spent most of his adult life, including raising his own family, in Western Washington.

     Bob’s Electrical Engineering teaching career led him to Oakland University (Rochester, MI), Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland, WA) & eventually settling at Seattle University (SU) for over 25 years.  At SU he served as professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and initiated their famed Senior Design Program & Projects Day.  A strong zeal for learning & the Jesuit cura personalis philosophy guided Bob’s work in the classroom/laboratory, as well as his relationships outside the academic environment. Bob was an avid downhill skier, and also enjoyed canoe camping and birding, always seen walking with hiking poles to steady him.  Bob cherished singing with the Bellevue Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir  and enjoyed travelling with their Music Ministry Abroad program.

     Much beloved, Bob relished his roles of husband, father,and grandpa. He was predeceased by his parents Edward & Edna (Fensterman) Heeren & brother James Heeren. He is survived by his current wife Katherine F. Hunter Heeren (married 14+yrs), former wife Kay Schellberg (married 25yrs), children Stephanie (Jeff) Justus, Jon (Jenna) Heeren, & Katy (Joe) Heeren-Mueller, step-children Jim (Heather) Hunter, Jennifer Hunter, & Tiffany (Evan) Davis, as well as 14 grandchildren. His inquisitive mind, compassionate support, warm hugs and fleece vests are deeply missed.

Virtual Memorial Service held in lieu of in-person services.

Please send an email to Bob’s family to offer condolences and/or request the memorial service video link: RememberBob@justusweb.com.

Private inurnment Bellevue Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden. 

Memorial donations can be made to Bellevue Presbyterian Church, Attn: Soli Deo Gloria, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue WA 98004. 

All are welcome to sign the Tribute wall located on this website as a virtual guest book.