Robert John Heemstra

Robert "Bob" Heemstra, was born on January 28, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and passed away in Redlands, California, on October 29, 2025, at the age of 79.
Bob was the son of John Raymond and Elizabeth (Zandstra) Heemstra and grew up in a large and close-knit family. He moved to Redlands in 1954, where he built a life marked by faith, family, and service. He attended Redlands Christian School and was a proud graduate of Redlands High School, Class of 1964. Following in his family's footsteps, Bob began working for the family business, Heemstra Signs, in 1978. His siblings joined him over the years-first Bill, then Tim-and together they carried on the family legacy of craftsmanship and integrity until Bob's retirement in 2020.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Bob served with the United States European Task Force, 575th Transportation Company, during the Vietnam era. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Rifleman designation.
Bob was married to his beloved wife, Ada Heemstra for 51 years, and they devoted much of their lives to community service. They were active members of the Elks Lodge, volunteered with the Redlands Assistance League, the Camellia Luncheon, and Meals on Wheels, and Bob attended The Packinghouse Calvary Chapel in Redlands for many years.
Even in his later years, Bob remained the kind of person people naturally looked to for steadiness and good humor. He was known for his even keel, his generosity, and his genuine kindness. He loved his Lord, his family, and his neighbors. In his younger days, he had a passion for motorcycles, driving and classic cars.
Those who knew Bob will remember his calm presence, his warm smile, and his quiet faith - qualities that anchored his family and all who had the privilege to know him. He was a devoted stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ada Marie Heemstra; his brother Timothy Heemstra; his stepdaughter Jeanne Lambert Gallagher; and his stepson Mark Lambert. He is survived by his siblings Rachel, Bill, Jessica and Richard Heemstra; his sisters-in-law, Sharon Couchois and Donna Heemstra, his stepdaughter Victoria Lambert; stepson Vance Lambert; three grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters.
Services will be held at Hillside Memorial Park on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception following at Martha Green's Eating Room at 2:30 p.m.