Robert Richard Heitner

ROBERT RICHARD HEITNER, age 82, born in St. Louis, Mo. on Feb. 1, 1920 passed away in Houston, TX on Aug. 18, 2002. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline Spitz Heitner, his wonderful parents, Anna Waltke Heitner and Henry John Heitner, his dear sister Nelda Heitner Ellermann, and brother, Norman Heitner, all of St. Louis, Mo. He is survived by his son, David Heitner of Chicago, Ill., his daughter, Laura Heitner Carpenter and son-in-law, Leland B. Carpenter, and grandchildren, Nathaniel Robert Greeley and Hannah Pauline Greeley, of Houston, TX. Mr. Heitner was an accomplished man, a university professor, retired in 1976 from his position as departmental chairman of German at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In his academic career he also held positions as assistant graduate school dean and full professor at the University of Texas at Austin, associate professor of German and departmental chairman at UCLA and assistant professor of German at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. His undergraduate and master's degrees were from Washington University in St. Louis and his doctoral degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Mr. Heitner served in the military from 1942 until 1945 when he was in the Counter Intelligence Corps., stationed in London, Verdun, and Wiesbaden. When the Lord took his beloved wife, Polly, he took up residence in Houston, TX to be near his daughter and grandchildren. In 1994, he became a resident of the Forum at Memorial Woods, Houston, where for 8 1/2 years he was a much loved personage, known to all as "Doc" and renowned for his charm, wit, well tailored appearance, kindness to all, and enthusiasm for life. He will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him. Visitation, 11:30 A.M., Thurs. Aug. 22, 2002 at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa, St. Louis, Mo., where services will be held at 1:30 PM. Interment, Bethlehem Cemetery.