Robert A. Heckman, 93, Fertile, MN, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.
Robert Arlen Heckman was born on December 23, 1931, in Southern Minnesota. He was the son of an immigrant father and mother. His mother’s maternal grandmother’s grandfather came to the United States in 1848, and made his new home in Columbia County, Wisconsin, just a short drive from Madison, Wisconsin. Through Robert’s maternal great-grandmother, he is the sixth generation of Isaac Nilssen Botnen Skar of Hardanger, who is known in Norway as the “Father of the Hardanger Violin” (which is the national instrument of Norway). This fact is something Robert was immensely proud of.
Robert attended rural school before entering Fertile Public School in 1943 as an elementary student. In elementary school he was considered very artistic; teachers would have him make drawings of some of the topics in history being read at that time. He also was asked to draw a rather large mural for a Prom banquet. In High School he was very involved in activities: Band, Woodwind Quintet, Oboe Soloist, Mixed Chorus, Junior and Senior Class Plays, and the school newspaper.
Robert was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church by Pastor Gudvin Walther Tolo. He attended Sunday School, Parochial School, sang in the Concordia Lutheran Church Choir, and in the Choral Union, which was composed of members from all Lutheran Church Choirs.
In 1952 Robert entered Concordia College in Moorhead after being introduced to the Concert Band Director, Leif Christianson, at a music camp in Bemidji, MN. While in college, he participated in a literary society named Beta Tau Omega, played the oboe in the Concordia College Symphonic Band, and traveled with the band around the upper Midwest. Robert was also a member of the Angel del Busto Woodwind Quintet. He organized his own quintet and played twice on Fargo Television, and over the radio during Concordia College’s morning Chapel Services. Up to the time of his graduation, he was employed by Nels Vogel Music, Inc. working in their mailing department. Robert graduated from Concordia in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, English and Education.
After graduation from Concordia College, Robert was employed as an English teacher at Eagle Bend, Minnesota. After teaching one school year, he was inducted into the military. It was after entering the military, he tested for Officers Candidate School and applied for acceptance and became a member of the 62nd Army Band and was also asked to conduct a large choir along with his band duties. The Army Band played for many graduations, NATO events, and the West Point Cadets when they went for special training events. One event Robert especially enjoyed was when the Norwegian Ambassador to the Untied States asked them to perform for the special program put on for other NATO nations.
After leaving the military, Robert entered graduate studies at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. While involved in his graduate studies he was teaching Social Studies and was head of all vocal music at Gary, MN. After receiving Superior ratings from Leland Sateren of Augsburg College, and Paul J. Christiansen of Concordia College, a scout from the University of Minnesota contacted him and offered him a teaching position as an academic instructor in the Department of Agriculture. Robert accepted this job and remained with the University for eight years. After completing his master’s degree in education at Bemidji State University, Robert accepted the position of Principal at Akeley, MN. He left Akeley and went on to Conroe, Texas to teach at Washington School. He was appointed head of the History Department and wrote all curriculum. He was also responsible for supervising all student teachers, which was quite a responsibility, but also very rewarding. During his time in Texas, he immersed himself in visiting historical sites and getting to know the locals. Robert retired from teaching duties in June of 1990.
After retirement, Robert returned to Fertile and served as Secretary of the Hallinglag of America for six years. He hosted two Stevnes, (gatherings of ancestors from the Hallingdal area of Norway) at Crookston, one with the aid of Henry Gredvig, and a second by himself. He was later awarded the Boomerang Award at the last meeting held in Minot, ND. Robert also enjoyed researching the history of Fertile, family history, and helped others with research into their lineage as well.
Robert is survived by various cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dora Viken, and generations of extended family.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 20, 2025at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Interment: Little Norway Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home of Fertile, Minnesota
