Robert M. Heitzman, 68, of Sparta, died Monday, December 1, 2008 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse, WI. He was born on May 23, 1940 in Evansville, IN to Marvin and Helen (Bitz) Heitzman. He moved as a child to Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Catholic Central in 1958. He then enlisted in the US Army in June 1959. He served in Germany, had two tours during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Panama. He retired after 22 years of service.  

     He married Eveline Schoefer on December 29^th and 30^th, 1961 in Vilseck, Germany. They moved back to the US in 1963. Together, they lived in many places while Bob was in the service. They moved to Sparta on July 4, 1978. He retired from Ft. McCoy in 1981. He started a food service business which he ran until 1998. He then worked at Fort McCoy in civil service.

     Bob enjoyed bowling, golf, and was very active in the Sparta community. He belonged to American Legion Post 100, VFW Post 2112, Voyageur 40/8, he was a Past Festmaster, serving as Festmaster for Sparta Butterfest in 1995, and served two terms on Monroe County Board. Bob and Eve started the Community Christmas Dinner in 1990 and for the last five years have held it at the American Legion in Sparta.

     Bob is survived by his wife, Eve of Sparta; a daughter, Sylivia Liles of Petersburg, VA; four grandchildren, Natasha, Marquita, Ricky Jr., and Jennifer; seven great grandchildren; a sister, Judy (Paul) Benjamin of Rancho Murieta, CA; four brothers, Thomas (Carol) Heitzman, Paul (Margo) Heitzman, and James (Pat) Heitzman all of Grand Rapids MI, and John (Amy) Heitzman of Rockford, MI; and many other relatives and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Richard Heitzman and Jerome Heitzman.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be Monday in Grand Rapids, MI.

     Family and friends are invited to call at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta and St. Clare Health Mission of Monroe County. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.