Robert Earl Heberer, age 86, of Burlington, Iowa went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Bob was born on June 23, 1939, in Burlington, to Charles Earl and Opal (Leonard) Heberer. He was raised in Illinois and graduated from Hamilton High School. Following high school Bob attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he graduated with his BA in 1961. Upon college graduation he served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Turkey and England. Bob was proud to serve his country and enjoyed his time overseas.
Bob married Carolyn Dieterich on February 9, 1974 in Burlington. They shared many years and memories together and had three daughters; Tracy, Erica, and Marlana. While their marriage ended in divorce they continued in friendship and shared love for their children and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Bob spent nearly 50 years as a real estate broker in Burlington. He owned and operated Century 21 for many years, eventually selling in 1997. Upon selling, he continued his real estate sales career with Century 21 Property Professionals until 2019. After retiring from real estate, Bob put his love for driving to use, becoming a secure car driver for Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.
Bob was a member and supporter of the Burlington YMCA for 54 years. Over the years he also enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and biking. He also had a great love for photography and never missed an opportunity to get a group picture.
Bob shared the last 27 years of his life with his devoted companion Bonnie Malone of Cedar Rapids. Bob and Bonnie shared many adventures during these years traveling to Ireland and to many other destinations spending time with friends and family. In addition to traveling, they enjoyed dinner parties with friends, dancing, biking, walks and cheering on the Hawkeyes.
Bob attended Harmony Bible Church for many years, he was baptized and born again at Harmony in January 1981. Bob’s love of the Lord and the gospel of Jesus Christ drove his passion to share the good news with anyone and everyone he encountered. He often shared his hand written notes, Billy Graham sermons, and scripture to family, friends, and new people he met.
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the compassionate and loving staff of Compassus Hospice (Daphne, Alexis, Justin) who provided dedicated care over the last 10 months. As well as to the staff of Harmony Cedar Rapids.
His legacy will carry on with his two daughters, Tracy Stewart of Fort Worth, Texas, Erica (Greg) Worrall of Mediapolis, Iowa, and five grandchildren Jordan Douglas, Emmalee Stewart, Thomas Stewart, Benjamin Wolgemuth and William Worrall. As well as one nephew, four great nephews, and one great niece.
After being welcomed by Jesus, Bob was inevitably warmly embraced in Heaven by his youngest daughter Marlana. He was also preceded in death by his loving companion Bonnie Malone, his parents, his sister Janet Mortenson, and his niece Kristin Elam.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Funeral Chapel.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, March 28, 2026, at Lunning Funeral Chapel, 2620 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, Iowa. The family will receive friends during this time.
The memorial service for Bob Heberer will be at 12:00 PM, March 28, 2026 at Lunning Funeral Chapel, 2620 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, Iowa with Pastor Matt Mitchell officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to Bob’s requested ministries.