Robert Heintz

Robert “Bob” Leroy Heintz was born on May 22, 1942, to Evelyn M. Hendren and Edward “Ed” J. Heintz in Pipestone, MN. Ed worked for Montgomery Ward’s and was frequently promoted, which meant the family moved quite often. Bob found himself landing in new schools in Wahpeton, North Dakota, Washington state, and graduated after one year of attendance at Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo, IA in May 1960.

Bob continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1966.

Bob pursued an advanced degree at Central Missouri State and earned a Master’s in Library Science.

Bob’s first teaching job was at Holmes Junior High School in Cedar Falls, IA

Bob met his future bride, Mary, in 1964 when she came to visit and eventually live with her brother Gene, who happened to live next door to Bob’s parents.

Mary and Bob married at 10 am in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, IA on February 12, 1966. Bob loved to tell the story of spending time before the wedding with his future brothers-in-law sweeping the aisles and pews of the church.

Mary and Bob moved to Spencer, IA in 1966 where Bob took a job with the Spencer School District. He oversaw five elementary school libraries, the junior high school library, and the senior high school library. Over the years technology was added to the school district, and Bob found himself learning everything about computers. Bob was promoted to the position of Media Director by Dr. Joe Graff, Superintendent of Spencer Community Schools.

Bob championed, budgeted, and designed the brand-new library addition to the high school. He added barcoding to the seven libraries. Bob ran cable through tunnels and ceilings to add ethernet to the seven schools’ classrooms, computer labs, etc. When space became critical at the high school, Bob’s department moved to the remodeled Sernett’s Store. He was always on the go to the various school buildings that needed him to fix a computer, install new software, put together bookshelves, tables, etc. All told Bob spent 34.5 years working in education.

Bob and Mary loved to travel across the western section of the US with the children in the back of the Ford, the Skylark, and ultimately the Dodge minivan. Bob spent time at Western State College in Colorado working on his postgrad hours.

After Bob retired from the Spencer School District and Mary retired from her position as a Registered Nurse at Spencer Hospital, they vacationed on several cruises. They traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, the Caribbean. They attempted to going through the Panama Canal, but it ended early with Bob being airlifted off the ship with pneumonia. Two years later, on another cruise they made it through the Canal.

Bob was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, served on the school board, repaired school computers, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob enjoyed his weekly cribbage with friends.

Bob passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife Mary of 59 years, his son Brian (Shawna) Heintz of Kansas City, MO, and his daughter Julie Heintz of Columbus, MS. Bob has two wonderful granddaughters’ Allyson Heintz and Haley Heintz who called their beloved grandfather Boppa. He is survived by his sister Patricia McHenry of Iowa City, IA.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Robert's name.