SALINA AND FORMERLY BELOIT – Robert Steven Heller was born on August 17, 1951, in Kansas, to Dorothy Rose (Zero) and John Albert Heller. He graduated from St. John’s High School in Beloit, Kansas, and went on to farm alongside his brother, John, on the family farm.
In 1972, Delmer Roberson, with the Soil Conservation Service, approached Rob and John about helping in the field. Rob accepted the position, beginning a career that would span more than 40 years. He continued working with the Soil Conservation District until his retirement in 2014, receiving numerous awards and recognition along the way.
Rob truly enjoyed working with farmers and contractors. He was always tinkering with something, finding ways to make things work better, and he even invented a fire extinguisher holder for service trucks.
Rob had a relationship with God that extended far beyond the walls of a church building. He walked through many farmers’ fields hand in hand with God, having countless conversations along the way. His faith was part of his everyday life, and he faithfully served First Christian Church in many capacities throughout the later years.
After retirement, Rob became an avid baker and developed a special interest in monarch butterflies. He planted milkweed seeds throughout Mitchell County, doing his part to help the butterflies thrive.
In honor of Rob, family and friends are invited to take home wildflower seeds to plant or one of his favorite recipes to bake, carrying on two of the things he enjoyed so much.
Rob is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mary Lou; his children, Terry Peterson, Jennifer Arellano (Larry), Steven Heller, Robyn Bonner (Bo), Jeffrey Heller, and Kelly Zouzas (Lukas); as well as 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and two loyal furry companions, Shep and Mickey.
Memorial services will be at 2 PM Wednesday, October 14 at the First Christian Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM, with family present from 5-7 PM Tuesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place.
Memorials may be made to Soil Conservation District for educational materials for students or the Friends of Conservation Award. Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts Family Funeral Home, 910 N. Campbell Ave., Beloit, KS 67420. Roberts Family Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com
