Robert “Bob” R. Heap, 77, of Huntley, died peacefully on January 29, 2024, in Naperville, IL.
Bob was born in Joliet, IL on December 3, 1946, to parents Ralph and Marjorie (nee Dixon) Heap. He grew up on a farm in Minooka, IL learning to drive a tractor at age 10, farming corn and beans, and raising cattle. He married his high school sweetheart, Christina (Tina) Johnson, on August 26, 1967, and together they raised their two children. He graduated from University of Illinois in 1970 with B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. As an employee of Brown & Root (in Chicago & Houston), Mid- Valley, and Industrial Contractors (both in Evansville, IN) he specialized in the construction management of power plants and large industrial manufacturing facilities such as G.E. and Alcoa. He was always the consummate professional and a great mentor to many colleagues, always making time to listen and help.
Bob was an avid sports fan, who loved all things University of Illinois, especially their NCAA basketball team. He was an enthusiastic Chicago White Sox fan and also (on occasion) rooted for the Bears. He retired in 2012, residing in the Del Web community located in Huntley, IL where he enjoyed many friends, poker nights, trips and tours, and weekly dominos. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, time at the beach at Kiawah Island, SC, and the annual trips to Ottawa, IL.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Christina Heap, his children, Carrie (Jack) Holley and Justin (Jennifer) Heap, his grandchildren, Abigail Heap and Aiden Heap, his nieces Jane Kleveland and Julie (Hal) Deutsch, and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Ralph Heap and sister Barbara (Lee Jay) Thompson.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 2 p.m. to time of memorial service 4 p.m. all taking place at De Fiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Inurnment will be Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Aux Sable Cemetery in Minooka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name can be made to Animal House Shelter located in Huntley, IL where he and Christina rescued their two cats Mia and Willow. www.animalhouseshelter.com/donate/
For further information, please contact the De Fiore Funeral Home, 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be left at www.defiorefuneral.com
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Christina and family we are so saddened by Bobs passing he was a great friend and neighbor. He will be missed by all that knew him. We will keep you all in our prayers to get through this sad time.
My sincere sympathy to the Heap family. I have many wonderful childhood memories of time spent on the farm with Grandma Dixon, Aunt Marge and Uncle Ralph and Bob. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May Bob’s memory be eternal.
Thinking of you in this difficult time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Christina and Family, all our fond memories of Bob will forever be cherished. Our support are with you, Christina. Remember, we are just a phone call away. Your Hoosier Friends, Jim and Anita
So sorry to hear about Bob! I worked with him on a number of projects during our time together at ICI in Evansville and he was always very professional. We never spent any time together outside of work however I would bet it would have been a great fun time.