ROBERT F. HEITZENRATER

1934 - 2025

Robert F. Heitzenrater, 91, of Elkland, passed away on August 30, 2025, at the Wellsboro Green Home. He was born on May 11, 1934, in Osceola and was a son to the late Austin ""Dutch"" and Gladys (Mortimer) Heitzenrater. In 1957 Robert married Virginia L. Moon; having built a loving life and family together for 67 years. He enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and spending 25 winters down at their Florida home with his wife alongside him.
From 1954 to 1956 Robert served in the U.S. Army. Then after receiving his associate's degree from Alfred University, he worked at Corning Glass Inc. for 36 years and retired in 1994 as the Senior Scientist. Robert was a lead guitarist in his own band called ""Blue Sky Boys"" that formed right here in Elkland. For over 20 years ""Blue Sky Boys"" were booked to play on Friday nights at the Wellsboro Moose Club. Robert was also an exceptional dancer, singer, and he was skilled in several instruments like the lead guitar, steel guitar and piano. He was also an avid outdoorsman; hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing are just a few of his favorite outdoor pastimes. He also liked writing poetry, gardening, playing ping pong, card games and horseshoes.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW and Elkland Moose, as well as a member of the American Legion and Addison Eagles. He was also a council member on the Elkland Borough for 20 years.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Virginia L. Heitzenrater of Elkland; children, Jeff (Shelly Stampp) Heitzenrater of Painted Post, N.Y., Steve (Shirley Paul) Heitzenrater of Spartansburgh, Thomas (Diane Learn) Heitzenrater of Nelson and Julie Kendall-Heitzenrater of Painted Post, N.Y.; grandchildren, Heather (Cory) Houghtaling of Gaines, Matthew (Kara) Heitzenrater of Fairview, Chris (Lydia) Heitzenrater of Erie, Jordan Kendall of Elkland and Michael Heitzenrater of Pittsburgh; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Pruitt Houghtaling, Brielle and Liliana Heitzenrater, and Nolan and Isaac Heitzenater; sister, Linda Boice of Tunkhannock; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by both his parents and four sisters; Selena Roe, Betty Warfel, Helen Shutt and Shirley Campbell.
Family and friends are called to Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St, Elkland on Sunday, September 7, from 1 - 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 3 p.m. with the Reverend Larry O'Dell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Green Home - Activity Department at 37 Central Ave, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc.