Robert Carl Heyel

Robert “Bob” Carl Heyel, age 73 of Claremore, Oklahoma submitted himself to the will of God, taking his last breath in this world to rejoice in His holy presence for eternity on August 31st 2015 at St John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Bob, being a loving family man spent his last days in the company of those he loved.  Bob was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Michael Heyel and his mother, Dorothy Marie (Nygard, Heyel) Motherway He is survived by his bride of 53 years, Betty Jean (Cauthron) Heyel, and his much loved daughters and their families: Yvonne Marie (Heyel) Lipson and her husband Jonathon of Conifer, CO, Geraldine Marlene Heyel of Owasso, OK and Michelle Lee (Heyel) Rahn and her husband Eric of Claremore, OK and his cherished grandsons, Michael Rahn of New York and Matthew Rahn of Claremore, OK He is also survived by his devoted siblings and their families; Donald Heyel, Carol (Heyel) Froehlich and Marilyn (Motherway) Gillies. 

Bob was born on September 27th, 1941 in Ontonagon, Michigan where he spent his formative years and memorable summers with his grandparents, Charles and Vindla Nygard.  The family moved to Merrill, Wisconsin where he graduated from high school in 1960.  Shortly after graduation, Bob joined the United States Air Force where he served in the Strategic Air Command and received an honorable discharge. He continued his education in aviation at Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK. Upon graduation, Bob moved his growing family to Texas where he worked for Trans-Texas Air briefly before being employed by American Airlines and relocating to Tulsa, OK, making Claremore his home. He retired from American Airlines after 48 years of service. 

As a dedicated, loving husband and father, Bob engaged himself in whatever his “girls” dreamed up and as a result, he became well loved by many.  Bob helped his wife start and run a small ceramic business for several years. He was active with all of his grandsons’ activities from coaching little league baseball and volunteering at diabetes camp to being their number one sports fan! “Coach Bob” also coached Special Olympics and worked with young people who have special needs through the Northeast Transition Team. He was always present in his daughters’ lives, even moving them all over the country when needed. Outside of serving others, he enjoyed working with his hands building many beautiful things like a garden gazebo, swimming pool & deck, and several tree houses for his grandsons! He also loved traveling, gardening and he enjoyed collecting and building model train sets. Bob was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Claremore, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon, MI on June 28th at Noon Eastern, Military rites will be provided by the Ontonagon County Veteran’s Association. The Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon is assisting the family

 Service Information