Mr. Robert G. Heft

The designer of America’s 50-star flag passed away Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2009, at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 67 years. Bob was born on January 19, 1942, in Saginaw. He was moved to Ohio as a young child, where he was raised by his grandparents. While a 17 year-old junior at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Ohio, Bob made his mark in our nation’s history by preparing for a U.S. History project in 1958, where he fashioned the family flag into what is now our country’s symbol. Bob traveled the world extensively telling countless people of his unique story. Bob attended Ohio University and Ohio State University. He retired after 30 years as a high school and college history teacher. He was a seven-term Mayor of Napoleon, Ohio and past state president of the Ohio Mayor’s Association. He was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Saginaw, past president of the Saginaw Lions Club, District 11-D1 Governor of Lions Club International, was active in Habitat for Humanity, America’s Promise, Junior Achievement, 4-H, and a former member of the Masons. His interest in flags originally came from his volunteer work as a former Boy Scout. Bob was a very proud American. He devoted his life to inspiring others. Bob is survived by a nephew, Edward Heft, two great-nephews, E.J. Heft and Mark Heft; a great-niece, Juliah Heft; many other nieces and nephews; half-brothers and half-sisters; a sister-in-law, Joanne Heft; and many dear friends, especially those at the Saginaw Lions Club. Funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2009, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 2110 Brockway St., Saginaw, Michigan. The Rev. Kathleen Basner will officiate with burial in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 N. Michigan Ave., on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., then at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family requests memorials to be given to Saginaw Lions Club, P.O. Box 2211, Saginaw, Michigan 48605, or Resurrection Lutheran Church, 2110 Brockway St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Sympathies may be shared with the family online at www.WakemanFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Mr. Robert G. Heft

January 19, 1942 - December 12, 2009