Robert "Bob" Heckmann

Robert Lyle Heckmann, known to his family and friends as "Bob" or "Bobby", passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary's Campus, Rochester.

Bob was born the oldest of three sons to Roger and Merry (Engelke) Heckmann on September 21, 1965 in West St. Paul, MN. While in high school, when he wasn't playing football or ditching class to hang out with his many friends, Bob drove deliveries for the Rosemark Bakery. He graduated from Sibley High School in 1984, and continued his education at Dakota County Technical College where he received his Commercial Drivers License.  He then went on to begin working as a truck driving instructor for Transport America. Later, a truck driver for Freight Masters, and for the last 26 years, a car hauler for Jack Cooper (formerly Allied.)

He married Dawn Wheeler on August 19, 2000, and began a beautiful family with their two children, Gabby and Preston. 

Bob had a passion for life! He had a love for animals and had rescued many over the years, including birds, squirrels, opossums, and many others. Along with this, Bob rescued every pet that he has owned including their first dog, Bingo. Bob was also known for being charitable, with some of his favorite places to donate being; ASPCA, Wounded Warrior, Feed My Starving Children, and many more. 

He was a social butterfly and made friends with everyone he met. He could talk for hours about the weather, current news, and how the grass looks! Through his work, he had mentored many and established many great friendships with co-workers. Bob loved participating in tough truck competitions and mud runs. In his free time, Bob loved coaching baseball, riding ATV's and motorcycles, as well as enjoying the outdoors. 

Bob was known for cooking a mean tator tot hotdish and was a connoisseur of hot sauces! He was a dedicated collector of Marvel comic books and was an avid Star Trek fan.

Above all, Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his children, of which he was so proud. He enjoyed waiting until they were all together so he could share the new Dishscapes each month. They agree that he was the master of Dad jokes!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Merry Heckmann.

He will be missed every day by his family. He was a loving husband for 23 years to Dawn; beloved father to Gabrielle and Preston; brother to Brian (Susan) and Keith (Cassie); uncle to Steven and Mason; and friends to many!

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, September 3 from 2-5 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls.
The family will host a celebration of life on Thursday, September 21 from 4-7 pm at the pavilion at Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park.