Robert G. Heck, age 85 of Rhinelander, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the Aspirus Medical Center in Wausau. He was born on May 3, 1936, in Superior, the son of Earl and Dorothy (Krueger) Heck. Bob’s family moved to Milwaukee and then Wausau where he graduated from the Wausau East High School in 1954. He then attended UW-Madison and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Economics.

Bob’s faith in his Lord and Savior guided him throughout his life. God led him to meet and then marry the former June Raymaker. He then blessed them with over 60 years of marriage, a wonderful family and recovery from several serious health issues throughout his life. He served God as an active and supportive member of the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Rhinelander, where he served as Finance Director for 45+ years.

Bob was first employed by the A.C. Allen Company in Chicago. He then moved to Wausau in 1959 where he worked with his father for the A.C. Allen/Marshall Company. In December of 1964, he moved his family to Rhinelander. In December 1964, Bob opened a branch of the Marshall Company in Rhinelander. This eventually became Smith Barney and then The Heck Group with the addition of his two sons Ken and David. In 2007 he and his sons started Heck Capital Advisors, LLC with offices now in Rhinelander, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Bob served as Chairman until his passing. Bob received multiple business recognitions and loved working with his clients, team, sons, and son-in-law John Reinthaler.

Beyond his faith, family and work, the success of his community as a whole was very important to Bob. He actively supported all aspects of life in the Rhinelander community from health care, education, civic responsibility, recreation, economic growth and a thriving airport that served the entire Northwoods. Of the many community activities that he was a part of, he was most proud of his efforts and the success of the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport. He was recognized for his efforts on April 8, 2018, when the terminal was named the “Robert G Heck Passenger Terminal”. Of all the awards and recognitions that Bob had received over the years, and there were many, this topped the list.

Bob’s incredible drive for excellence in the business and community was surpassed only by his faith and love of family. Bob loved his home and flower gardens and enjoyed spending time with the family in his yard for cookouts and family gatherings. He also had a lot of fun with the family dogs and always had a treat with him in his pocket or car to share. He found great joy in seeing the family having fun and would continue to update sound systems and other gadgets even after he wasn’t able to enjoy them. Other interests of Bob were meteorology, trains, planes and fireworks. Bob always told the family to ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated’. His Grandchildren, all lovingly knew him as “Bapa,” and he especially enjoyed his individual relationships with all of them. Bob treasured being able to plan and take the family on many trips to special spots such as Kohler and Arizona.

Bob is survived by his wife June; his daughters, Karen (Carl) Buchinger, Kathryn (Mike) McDonough and Julie (John) Reinthaler; his sons, Kenneth (Jenny) Heck and David (Gina) Heck; his grandchildren, Kristen (Sam), Caryn (Ian), Emily, Michael, Mitchell (Mariah), Robert, Claire, Brandon, Nicholas, Matthew, Grace, Annie, Thaddeus, Joseph, Maria, Charlie, James, Eva and Ella; and his great-grandchild, Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Kenneth.

Visitation for Bob will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 from 4-6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Father John Gerritts officiating. Visitation will also be held 9:30-11:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:30 a.m.  Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Father Chris Kemp officiating and Father Kevin Farrell, Father Dean Buttrick, and Father Maria concelebrating.

A memorial is being established in Bob’s name. Gifts may be directed to the Rhinelander Community Foundation – Bob and June Heck Charitable Fund, making grants available to various charitable causes in the Rhinelander area close to Bob’s heart.

You may leave your private condolences for the Heck family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is serving the Heck family.