Pastor Gail Robert Heimgartner (Pastor Bob), 72 years old, a loved husband, father, and friend went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. Pastor Bob was born on January 5th, 1954, to the late Robert and Lillian Heimgartner. He earned his Associate of Science from Lake Land College in 1974 and a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University in 1978. His greatest joy was receiving a degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2010. Pastor Bob taught Biology at Waltonville School, then worked in the coal mines for 25 years along with running a 250-acre farm. He has served in Lutheran churches as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, church president, and as pastor at several churches. Before retirement, he also served as Head chaplain at Centralia Correctional Center.
In 2004, he married the love of his life Julia, and they have three beautiful children together Jacob, Padamae, and Roston and two grandchildren Addison and Ava. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers, fishing with his daughter, Padamae, and riding motorcycles. Pastor Bob thoroughly enjoyed serving others and helping people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Pastor Bob is survived by his loving wife Julie, son Jacob, daughter Padamae, son Roston, Brenda Heimgartner, Janice and Marvin Tappendorf, Ruth Ann and David Smith, Donald and Denise Heimgartner, Timothy and Trina Heimgartner, Lenora and Duane Kazemba, Stephen and Paula Heimgartner, James and Kelli Heimgartner, Dianna and Nathan Opfer, Rob and Sandy Hall, Kevin and Tina Riley, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by Robert and Lillian Heimgartner, Roger Heimgartner, Marian and James Wunderlich, Sherri Heimgartner, Beth Ann Tappendorf, and his father-in-law James Hubbard.
Pastor Bob and his family would like to thank Salem Lutheran Church for their love and support through the years, it’s definitely a church that has become family. They especially thank Nick and Pam Bergmann for everything they have done and been there for the Heimgartner family, as well as Pastor Mike and Pastor Ethan.
Services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church on Friday, July 31st with Pastor Mike and Pastor Ethan presiding. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and a dinner immediately following the service in the church gym. Burial will take place at Zion Grove Cemetery in Kell, IL at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Julia Heimgartner and her children or to Salem Lutheran Church and will be received at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
