Robert Philip Heiliger

Sibley, IA Robert Heiliger age 81 of Sibley, IA died Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sibley, with Father John Vakulskas as celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will be Monday, February 27th from 4:30 " 7:30 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. There will be a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Robert Philip Heiliger was born on March 13, 1930 in Sheldon, IA, the son of Joseph and Emma (Mory) Heiliger. He grew up in Sheldon and graduated from Sheldon High School. Following his graduation he attended Northwest Iowa Junior College in Sheldon for two years. After college, Bob worked for the railroad for a short time and then served two years in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Marines, he went to work for Northwestern Bell where he worked for 31 years. While working for Northwestern Bell, Bob met his wife-to-be, Patricia Burke. They were married on February 7th 1959, and lived in Sheldon and then Hawarden for a short time before moving to Sibley where they raised their five children. Following his retirement, Bob worked as a dispatcher at the Osceola County Sheriffs Office for a number of years. Later, he was self-employed, doing phone work for various people in the community. Bob was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church and the George E. Mudge American Legion Post #324. He enjoyed going for coffee with his friends each day and attending his grandchildrens activities. Bob is survived by: his five children, Tim (Bev) Heiliger of Sibley, IA, Tom Heiliger of Pagosa Springs, CO, Susan (Martin) Thomas of Beaufort, SC, Nancy (Mark) Bruns of Sibley, IA and Terry (Julie) Heiliger of Urbandale, IA; twelve grandchildren, Maggie, Tessa, Ethan, Megan, Christopher, Adam, Mattie Joe, Andrew, Emma, Jacob, Joseph and Kathleen; sister, Edith Sis Bilsland of Marcus, IA; one brother, David (Sandy) Heiliger of Houston, TX; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia, on April 14, 2002; and brothers, Wayne, Bill and Lee; and one sister, Beverly.