Obituary of Robert Dana Heeder Sr

Robert Dana Heeder, 87, of Tempe, Arizona passed away July 6, 2023 in his home town of Mesa, Arizona. He was born on May 21, 1936 in Mesa, Arizona to George and Viola (Inman) Heeder. 

Robert graduated from Mesa High School then served a two-year mission in Helsinki Finland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Later in life, Robert served a second mission with his wife, Alona Heeder, to the Atlanta, Georgia mission.

He attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate and masters degrees. He attended Texas A&M university where he received his ABD PHD in reading education. 

Robert was an accomplished linguist, football and wrestling coach, and teacher of English, German, and Reading. He enjoyed working with his hands and always did his own auto and home repairs. 

Robert is survived by:

His loving wife of 52 years, Alona Ruth (Farnsworth) Heeder, Son John Isaac Heeder, Daughter Memi Valentine Heeder, Daughter Eden Inman Heeder, Daughter Tanja Jeneane Heeder, Son Robert Dana Heeder II, sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a fourth on the way. 

He was preceded in death by his son Steven Dana Heeder who passed away in January, 2022.

Funeral services will be at the Tempe Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Monday, July 17, 2023, beginning with a viewing at 8:00am, and funeral services beginning at 9:00am. Interment will be at 11:30am at the City of Mesa Cemetery.