Robert Heid

71 year old, Robert R. Heid, of Wheatfield, passed away on March 5, 2026.

On May 17, 1954, Robert was born in Freeport, Illinois, to Gordon Heid and Carol Webb. He graduated from Mount Morris High School in 1972, earned his bachelor’s degree from Manchester University in 1976, and later completed a master’s degree in Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne in 1984. On August 12, 1973, he married Betty Barnes, whom he had met in their freshman year of college. They shared 50 years of marriage and raised their daughter, Angela Heid, together. Robert was a devoted husband and father who cared deeply for his family. He spent his entire career in education. Robert taught science at Prairie Heights High School and chemistry, physics, and computer science later at Kankakee Valley High School. He also served for many years as the IT Director for Kankakee Valley School Corporation. Outside of the classroom, he was heavily involved in student activities: coaching the Academic Decathlon, Academic Super Bowl, Spell Bowl, CyberPatriot, and serving as the technical director for the Drama Club. He believed in helping students find their talents and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Robert also had a love of science fiction shows and movies.

Robert is survived by his daughter: Angela Heid, his stepmother: Patricia Heid, his step-siblings: Donald (Lani) Fridley, Michael (Sue Martin) Fridley, Kenneth (Mary Kay) Fridley, Frank (Kathy) Langholf, and Patricia J. (Larry) Shafer, Aunt: Marilyn Sowers, Uncle: George (Barbara) Rountree, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Betty Heid, parents: Gordon Heid and Carol Webb; his stepfather: Robert Webb, step-mother: Doris Heid, his sister: Julia Nielson, and his uncles: Alan (Betty) Heid, Loyal (Gloria) Heid, Eldon (Lavonne) Heid, and Lowell (Florence) Heid.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the DeMotte United Methodist Church, 227 North Halleck Street, DeMotte, Indiana. Services for Robert will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Becca May Baughman officiating.

A private burial will follow later.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kankakee Valley High School Academic Teams, 3923 W. State Road 10, Wheatfield, Indiana 46392.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.