Name: Visitation for Robert William Heitzman
Start: 2023-02-17T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-18T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Heneghan-Suerth Funeral & Cremation Service

Robert "Bob" William Heitzman passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023, surrounded by family. Bob was born on April 14, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to Bernice and Robert Heitzman. Bob led a fulfilling life in his 86 years with a successful career and a love for laughter and adventure with family and friends.

Bob attended Austin High School in Chicago and graduated with a B.A. in English from Northwestern University and a passion for journalism and writing. During this time, he served six and a half years part-time in the US Army Reserves. Bob had a long career at Packaging Digest, as the Editor-in-Chief, and then Publisher of this leading trade magazine for the packaging industry. Beyond his respected writing and speeches, his position provided him (and often his wife, Della) to travel to many different countries around the world. During their 63 years of marriage, Bob and Della cherished strong family and friend connections, valued a mutual appreciation of music, and engaged in various community service activities. Their journey together began shortly after high school--with stops in Oak Park and Edison Park--followed by their long-time residence in Park Ridge where they raised their three daughters. They later moved to Fontana, WI, where they enjoyed golfing and spending memorable times in the Lake Geneva area. For the last several years, they resided in Des Plaines.

Bob was the beloved husband of Della (nee Martin) and the loving father of Karen (Dale) Ammentorp, Krista (Wesley) Martel, and their late daughter, Ellen Heitzman. He was a dear grandfather to Matthew [Christina], Kristin [Mev], and Danielle Ammentorp, and Simone and Chance Martel. He was the fond brother of Don (Sue) Heitzman and the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at the M J Suerth Funeral Home, 6754 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago from 4-8 pm. Funeral Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, in state at The Edison Park Lutheran Church, 6626 N. Oliphant (at Avondale) from 10:30 am until time of funeral service, 11:00am. Interment Town of Maine Cemetery, Memorials may be made in Bob's memory to the National Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org or the charity of your choice. For further information call 773-631-1240 0r www.suerth.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 14, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Heitzman

19 Entries

PAUL SCHMITT

February 8, 2025

BOB WAS A GREAT PERSON BOTH DURING HIS WORKING YEARS , HIGH SCHOOL AND HIS TIME SPENT WITH THE MARCHING BAND OF GRENEDERS
HE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE WORLD OF OTHERS .

Alan Isacson

February 26, 2023

Bob will always be cherished and remembered for his eagerness to publish news about innovation that would positively impact millions of people worldwide. After all, his insightful writings and publishing about packaging helped both businesses and consumers across geographies.

In fact, Bob was the ultimate human package; he was kind, wise, driven, professional, and always, supportive. He was very instrumental in helping me navigate business in the early days of my career. His smile always lit up the room.

Bob will be missed and always remembered. My heartfelt condolences.

David Luttenberger

February 22, 2023

I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I had the opportunity to travel with him to China with a group of packaging journalists. He will be missed among his many friends in packaging.

Jim Langhenry

February 17, 2023

Bob loved his work and was such a kind person. Jim Langhenry

David Bacho

February 17, 2023

I worked with Bob for 5 years on Packaging Digest as his Art Director for the magazine, as he transitioned from one publishing company to another. It was early in my career, and Bob was a great leader that brought everyone together as a team. And as friends. He was always the most pleasant person to work with, and I don't think I ever saw him get flustered. I am very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He will be greatly missed, but even more so, very fondly remembered. Rest in peace Bob, and my sincerest condolences to his family.

Pat Reynolds

February 17, 2023

I, too, was hired into the packaging journalism business by Bob. My family and I are deeply grateful that such an opportunity was offered to me. I'm even more grateful to have known Bob, who was just a terrific guy in every way.

Therese Johnsen

February 17, 2023

I was truly so sorry to hear of Bob´s passing. The memories I have of our families are forever in my heart. He was always so kind, generous, and loving and will remain as a very dear friend in my heart forever. Sending my love and hugs to all of you. With my deepest sympathy,

Yolanda Simonsis

February 17, 2023

Your family's loss is profoundly felt by so many who served under Bob's guidance and tutelage. As a multiple award-winning editor who served the packaging and converting communities, I'd like to think--because of Bob's mentoring--that we all went on to meaningfully serve the industry he so passionately loved. I will always remember his smile, his gregarious sense of humor, his gentlemanly manner, and his inclusive sense of fairness. He made a difference in this world. May Bob rest in peace.

PAUL R SCHMITT

February 16, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jim O'Leary

February 16, 2023

We are deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing.

Bob was highly regarded in his many contributions to the Packaging Industry. His professionalism and fairness in the treatment of everyone was of the highest caliber.

We have fond memories of both Bob and Della in meetings as well as on the tennis court. Our condolences to Della and family.

Rest in peace, Bob.

Jim & Chris O'Leary

David Newcorn

February 16, 2023

I am sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I am forever indebted to him for taking a gamble on hiring me onto Packaging Digest, and by extension, into this industry. Of course anyone who knows him knows he was kind-hearted and full of humor. He was a pleasure to work for and I learned much from him.

Bill Kinross

February 15, 2023

I have fond memories of Bob from my early days at Delta. His leadership in journalism molded me and my publishing philosophy to this day. God bless you Bob and my prayers to his family during this difficult time.

Grant Gerke

February 15, 2023

I worked for Bob at Packaging Digest, and he and Mary Ann always made it feel like a big family affair. Rest in peace, Bob.

Rick Lingle

February 15, 2023

Bob was a long-time influencer in packaging who contributed to the growth of the industry through the pages of Packaging Digest. He mentored many editors, including me. One of his many qualities was an always positive attitude. Prayers and condolences to the family.

Lauren & Ron Hartman

February 15, 2023

Our deepest sympathy to Della and the rest of Bob's family. He was a good, kind, wonderful man who will be missed by many. I have so many wonderful memories and think of him often.

Joe Angel

February 14, 2023

So very sorry to learn of Bob's passing...he was a true professional and consumate gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers to Della and family.

Fred and Corinne Duerkop

February 14, 2023

We´re so sorry to know that the community and world-at-large has lost this wonderful man. We have so many memories of good times spent with both of you as well as wonderful memories of your girls growing up. Please know our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Bob was a good, good man.

Ben and Terri Miyares

February 14, 2023

our deepest sympathy to the Heitzman family...our love and prayers to Della and girls...Ben and Terri Miyares

Carol Corso

February 14, 2023

We are very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Our prayers are with Della and the entire family.
Joe and Andy

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