04/16/2018

Obituary for Robert P. Heitger, Sr.

Funeral Director, father and father-in-law of Jeffrey W. Heitger Sr. and Cathi Heitger, all of Heitger Funeral Home

Robert P. Heitger, Sr., age 98 of Massillon, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018 following a brief illness.

He was born July 5, 1919, in Massillon the son of the late Leo and Mary (Braun) Heitger.  He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 1938. 

Bob was one of 38 men from Massillon drafted in the 37th Division, Company C, 145th Infantry of the U.S. Army.  During WWII he served in the South Pacific and received two bronze stars, a silver star, and the purple heart.

Bob returned home in 1945 following his military service and attended the Cleveland School of Embalming graduating in 1947.  He was the third generation to own his family's business, Heitger Funeral Home in Massillon, and was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Ohio for 70 years. 

He was a life member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he was an usher for 50 years and worked in the nave crew.  Bob was a member and an active volunteer with many organizations including the K of C Council #554, 3rd and 4th Degree, VFW Post #3124, Amvets Post OH 0006, American Legion Post #221, Eagles #190 and DAV Massillon Life Member.  He served as a board member for the Massillon Health Department for 25 years and received the Purple Heart Honor from the City of Massillon.

Bob is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law; Robert Jr. and Jane (Seifert) Heitger of Massillon and Jeffrey and Cathi Heitger of Jackson Twp., daughter and son-in-law; Victoria and Bill Efinger of Perry Twp., sister Alice Ertle of Canton, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris I. (Gallatin) Heitger, four sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 from 2 to 4 P.M. and from 6 to 8 P.M.   K of C 3rd degree service will be held during evening visitation. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Edward Gretchko celebrant. 

Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Massillon. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary's Restoration Fund, 726 First St. N.E., Massillon, Ohio 44646.

Condolences to the family may be made here at the funeral home website: http://www.heitger.com.

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248