Robert Heimburger Sr.

Robert Henry Heimburger Sr., 88, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010.

He was born in St. Louis on March 26, 1922.

Heimburger was preceded in death by his parents, George Frederick and Ottillie Kaiser Heimburger; brothers Leonard (Marge) and George (Virginia); and sister Minnette (Ray) Williams.

His wife, Jeannette Bundenthal, with whom he celebrated his 68th wedding anniversary Sept. 19, survives. He is also survived by sons Robert Jr. (Sue) of Bonne Terre, Mo., Paul (Judy) of Beaver Creek, Colo.; daughter Sherri (Jack) Mehner of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren Paul and Jeff Heimburger, Jennifer Hoehn and Sarah Haas, and Jim and Mark Brickler; and special "adopted daughter," Karen Bangert and husband Tom. A great-grandson is expected in November. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

He was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, surveying the state of Idaho with Company 473, Camp G-145, among other duties. After marrying Jeannette in 1942 in St. Louis, he joined the U.S. Navy and served four years during World War II, earning a Victory Medal.

They started and owned Crestwood Plumbing Co. (CPC) in St. Louis for years before selling it to their employees, who still operate the business today. They formed R.H. Heimburger Inc. and built homes in Jefferson County, Mo., and later custom homes in Terre Du Lac, Mo. After retiring from the building business, Bob served as district representative for Aid Association for Lutherans in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties. He was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, being a devoted camper, fisherman, canoeist, storyteller and generous chef of cowboy chili. His grandchildren were well-acquainted with his mischievous alter ego, the "Sheriff of Hangknot." A man of good humor, strong work ethic and quiet spirituality, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral is at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.