Robert J. Heidrick

Robert Joseph Heidrick was born on September 3, 1936 in Beloit, Kansas. He passed away July 18, 2012 at the Newton Medical Center in Newton, KS at the age of 75. Robert (Bob) was the eldest son of William Henry John and Mavis Irene Guipre Heidrick. He grew up on the family farm north of Asherville together with his three siblings. His youthful years on the farm were very memorable for him, especially the times traveling with family and friends custom harvesting. Robert attended Asherville and Simpson schools, where he participated in high school sports and activities, excelling in, and loving the game of basketball. He was quite proud to be able to play with his brother Jerry on the Simpson High basketball team and loved to reminisce about the state championship game they played in together.

Robert married Conene Finney in 1956. From this union were born four children: Kevin, Pamela, Christina and Marlareflected very fondly on those younger years and raising his children on the same farm where he grew up. He was a disciplined and hard worker and instilled that gift in his children. One of his greatest joys was farming with his son Kevin, and the cow/calf operation they shared together. From this herd many champion steers were raised and shown in competition by his children and other 4-H'ers in the community. In 1964, Robert was honored as the area Outstanding Young Farmer and several years later received the Mitchell County Soil Conservation Award.

After Bob retired from farming he moved to Salina, Kansas delivering buses for ElDorado National. This took him on many adventurous travels from coast to coast. He also sold and serviced fire extinguishers for Weis Fire and Safety Equipment and was a salesman for Moorman's Feed. During those years he formed many lifelong friendships with colleagues and customers. Before his retirement in 2010 he enjoyed mowing for the City of Salina Parks & Recreation Department.Bob was an avid reader with a library of books. He was especially interested in history and had an uncanny ability to recall dates and historical events. He also had a very quick and witty personality, and anyone who knew him will so well remember. Bob loved little children and had a chuckle whenever he was around them. He enjoyed teasing and playing with his many grandchildren when they were young. His daughters will always remember the many special moments they and their families shared with him whenever he stopped by for a visit and a home-cooked meal.

Robert is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law Pamela & Ray Mehl of Lawrence, Christina & Craig Smyth of Kansas City, MO, and Marla & Mike Tolbert of McPherson; 12 grandchildren: Lee, Jeni, Kayla (Josh) Kohn and Mark Heidrick, Tara, Eric (Robin) and Kirby Smyth, Addie (Tom) Wagner, Nathaniel and Amanda Mehl, and Jarron and Callie Tolbert; 5 great grandchildren: Brandon Wilson, Savannah Ricks, Aubrey Kohn, Kohana and Akira Wagner, as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Kevin, his father Bill Heidrick, mother and step father Mavis and Pearl Anderson, and his three siblings Lila Hupp, Jerry Heidrick and Joyce Hale.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the McDonald Funeral Home with Pastor Rich Miller officiating. Burial of the ashes will be in the Summit Township aka Highland Cemetery near Jamestown. Memorials may be given to the Mitchell County Fair Association or the Simpson Senior Center.