It is with profound sadness that we announce Robert M. Heil passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 11, from 12:00-2:00, beginning with a funeral service at 11:30 at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque.

Bob, a lifelong Dubuquer, is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Jean Ann (Doerr) Heil; his four children, Becky Heil, Bruce (Daria) Heil, Brian (Mary Jo) Heil, and Brad (Anna) Heil; six grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Flynn, Katie Flynn Potter, Alec Heil, Matthew Heil, Adam Heil, Megan Heil; great grandchildren, Poppy and Oaken Potter; and his sister, Virginia Danielson.

He was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Betsy Ann Heil; twin brother, William (and Ronaele) Heil; a sister, Jean (and Walter) Ballew; brother-in-law Alvin Danielson; his parents Milton and Luise (Madden) Heil; and Jean’s parents William and Gladys (Richard) Doerr.

Bob and his twin Bill were born in Iowa City on Friday, September 13th 1935 , which may have been the start of him becoming a dedicated Hawkeye fan. He was educated in the Dubuque school system, and after a stint in the Army, he settled back in Dubuque, where he married his wife Jean, in 1958. He graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Dubuque and later got advanced degrees from both Loras and Clarke. Bob started his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Washington Junior High but soon moved to teaching 5th grade at Kennedy Elementary, where he impacted hundreds of Dubuque students. At various points of his life, he was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Dubuque), St. Peter Lutheran Church (Dubuque) and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Cocoa Beach).

Bob loved his family and built memories with everyone, creating a special bond with each that will last forever. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, although after 30 years of attending parades where the kids performed with local bands, he finally said “no more parades.”

Bob and Jean spent many winters in Cape Canaveral, Florida, after a lifetime of travel. They instilled that sense of adventure in all of their children.

Bob liked to putter around, whether it was pulling weeds in his rock garden, cleaning the beach at the condo in Cape Canaveral, working on his computer or fixing things around the house. He also enjoyed creating things, big and small, in his workshop.

He was a quiet man and a dedicated educator, who loved history and wrote bad poetry and really bad country songs. His interest in music and theatre inspired several generations. Dad’s generous spirit, his intellect, and his curiosity about the world around him will be missed.

The family would like to give special thanks to Paul from Hospice of Dubuque for his care over the last few months.