For over forty five years Robert was a well known livestock dealer and trucker. He was one of the earlier haulers to use the over two ton truck for his trips to the sales barns throughout the Upper Peninsula and St. Paul. He then started his route of cattle and calves to various packing plants throughout the Green Bay area and later the Kuehne Livestock yard in Seymour. For years he supplied farmers with bulls on feed for the breeding of their dairy or beef herds. Around 1990 the livestock dealing was taken over by his son James. Robert was also an active farmer with dairy and beef cattle operations right up until 1998 when a losing battle with Alzheimer's forced him from the operations. He enjoyed his winter stays in Florida and also loved a good game of golf. Robert was a life long member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Oconto.
Robert is survived by his wife Viola, Oconto; one daughter, Susan (Steve) Ozechowski, Oconto; four sons William Heise, Oconto; Michael Heise, Oconto; James Heise, Oconto; Scott Heise (GHi E), China; one sister, Lois Valitchka, Green Bay; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers Carl, Lloyd and Walter Heise.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, Wednesday December 13, from 4 to 9 p.m., and again on Thursday December 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Bruce Blocker officiating.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Zion Lutheran Church, Oconto and for Alzheimer's research.