Roger Andrew Heimbuch

Roger Andrew Heimbuch, 82, of Romeo, MI was called to Heaven at home on Friday, July 4, 2025 after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

Roger was born on October 21, 1942 in Mason City, Iowa to Robert and Martha (Graff) Heimbuch, the second of 10 children. He grew up on an acreage north of town and attended Lime Creek #8 Country School where he graduated from 8th grade. He then attended town school and graduated from Mason City High School in 1961. He was an accomplished football player in high school through which he made many lasting memories and friendships. During his youth he worked at the family business, Heimbuch Implement, which sold Minneapolis-Moline tractors and other farm equipment.

He met the love of his life Jean Bartell in high school. They married in Mason City in 1965 and later were blessed with three sons.

Roger attended Iowa State University where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1966. During his time at Iowa State, he worked as a co-op student at John Deere in Moline, Illinois and joined the US Army ROTC. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he earned his MS in 1967 and PhD in 1970 in Mechanical Engineering. He was later honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards from both Iowa State and the University of Michigan.

He fulfilled his ROTC commitment with the US Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland where he did research at the Ballistics Research Lab and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1972. After his military service, Roger returned to Michigan and joined General Motors at the Warren Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. He spent his entire career with GM at the Tech Center, mostly doing work on advanced materials. He truly loved his job and retired from GM in an Executive leadership role after more than 30 years of service. In 2004 he took an opportunity to return to work as the Executive Director of the Auto/Steel Partnership where he worked until his second and final retirement in 2010.

He was an accomplished woodworker and built many pieces of furniture with hardwood lumber from his childhood home. He taught adult education woodworking courses for many years. He served on two Engineering Department Advisory Boards for Iowa State University. He was active as a Board Member for several professional societies. Yet for all of his achievements, he was a very humble man. He never sought recognition, but only sought to do his best. In retirement his favorite activity was spending time Up North at his house on Lake Michigan in Harbor Springs, MI counting the waves as he sat on the back deck. He found great joy being outside, hunting, fishing, and he loved his dogs and walked them every morning. He was a life-long member of both North Macomb and Emmet County Sportsman Clubs. He enjoyed numerous big game hunting trips throughout North America and pheasant hunting in Iowa on his farm. He was an avid reader and enjoyed history, outdoors, and non-fiction books. He cherished time with his grandkids, loved watching them play sports, and had a tradition of making Christmas cookies with them each year up to and including this past Christmas. His parents were first generation German and German-Russian immigrants who deeply instilled in him the value of hard work, ethical behavior, and Christian belief. These values were his bed rock throughout his entire life. He left the world a better place.

Roger is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, of Romeo; his son Chris of Iowa; his son David (Brenda) of Romeo; his grandchildren Mitchell, Ryan, Carson, Daniel, Addison, and Drew; brothers Jim (Judy), Paul (Mary), and Mark (Linette), and sisters Carolyn (Richard Pope) and Mary (Charles Sukup) and 19 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Matt (Beth); brothers Don (Sharon) and Ray (Pam) and sisters Diane and Ann.

Visitation is on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, 11280 32 Mile Road, Romeo, MI from 4–8 pm with a memorial service at 6 pm. The funeral and interment are the following week in Mason City, IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Romeo, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mason City, or Iowa State University.

In Loving Memory of Our Grandpa

Our Grandpa was the heart of our family and the hero of our childhood. He never missed a game, always cheering us on from the sidelines, beaming with pride whether we won or lost. He took us fishing and taught us the joy of a quiet morning on the lake, and when the fish weren’t biting, he’d fill the time with stories about his days at the University of Michigan — stories that made us laugh and feel closer to the man he once was and always remained. He had a special way of turning everyday moments into memories we’ll never forget — building Lego masterpieces with steady hands and endless patience, baking Christmas cookies with just the right amount of sprinkles (and flour everywhere), and pretending that M&M’s were our “medicine,” which of course, he happily administered.He made the best noodle soup and the fluffiest pancakes, always served with love — and usually seconds. These weren’t just meals; they were comfort, tradition, and a little taste of Grandpa’s heart. He made us feel safe, seen, and so very loved. Grandpa wasn’t just our grandpa — he was our playmate, our storyteller, our snack dealer, and our biggest fan. His love was simple, strong, and steady. We will carry his warmth with us always.

We miss him deeply and love him forever.— 

With all our hearts,His Grandchildren 

Mitchell, Ryan, Carson, Daniel, Addy, and Drew