Robert Bruce Heimdahl

Robert Bruce Heimdahl

January 22, 1942 – December 3, 2025

Bob, or Bruce as he was known to family, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family that meant so much to him.

Born and raised on a farm near Milan, Minnesota, Bob learned the values of hard work and ingenuity early in life. He served his country with distinction in the United States Navy, where he operated nuclear systems aboard submarines. His dedication to problem solving with his engineering mind would define his approach to both work and life.

After his military service, Bob studied at the University of Minnesota, obtaining his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in under five years. He eventually made his home in the Pacific Northwest, where he would spend the remainder of his life surrounded by the natural beauty he loved.

Bob's crowning professional achievement came during his tenure at Bingham Willamette, where he led the design and implementation of the tunnel boring machine that excavated the Channel Tunnel connecting England and France-a project that stands as one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century.

A mechanical engineer to his core, Bob approached every challenge with creativity and skill. Family and friends knew they could count on him to fix anything or devise a solution to seemingly impossible problems. He found joy in the outdoors, music-especially the sounds of his daughters' piano and violin performances-and above all, in his family. His quick mind and vast knowledge made him a formidable Jeopardy! viewer, where he routinely knew the correct question before the contestants buzzed in. Life's simple pleasures brought him happiness: fresh corn on the cob in the summer and his favorite Whopper from Burger King.

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda; his four children, Kim, Corinna, Angela, and Brian; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); and his brother, Gary. He was preceded in death by his father, Godtfred; mother, Ruth; sisters Judy and Janet; and brothers Alan and Lyle.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.