Obituary

Heydlauff, Robert Lee

A lifelong Chelsea resident, died at his home on April 17. Bob was born June 6, 1955 to Willis and Jean Hafley Heydlauff. He inherited his father's love for music, and played first chair trumpet and tuba in Chelsea Public School bands. Years later he taught himself to play the banjo. Bob was also involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and played football at Chelsea High, where he graduated in 1973. Bob was far more intellectual than many people realized. Though he had no college degree, he was an avid reader throughout his life, reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica, and almost anything to do with history. Television's History Channel was endlessly interesting to him. Like his mother, Bob was very adept at crossword puzzles. During the challenging years that Bob was one of Michigan's many unemployed citizens, he surprised himself by getting a 4.0 in classes he took at Washtenaw Community College at the ripe old age of 53. He received his Nurse Assistant Certification last year. At the time of his death, Bob was planning to take more classes at WCC. High school teacher George Prinzing got Bob involved in working with recording and sound equipment. Bob used this skill over the years to work with several Chelsea- area bands. Like his father, Bob was employed at the Chelsea Milling Company for many years, was a member of the Rod and Gun Club, and played cards at Seitz's Tavern on a weekly basis. Bob had happy memories of participating in Chelsea-area euchre tournaments, and winning a few of them. He also enjoyed NASCAR, football, and playing golf. Bob had a simple, reserved yet generous personality much like his dad. Surviving Bob are his sister, Gloria J. Heydlauff of Tigard Oregon; and his brother David G. Heydlauff of Traverse City, his wife Sue, and their two children, George and Elizabeth. Bob is also survived by long-time friends, Dan and Pat Bertke, and Tom and Jean Winans. A gathering to remember Bob will be held on Sunday, May 9 at 2-4 p.m. at Chelsea Rod & Gun Club at 7103 Lingane Road. If you wish to make a donation in honor of Bob's life, the family suggests that you contribute to the American Diabetes Association. You will be able to do this at the May 9 gathering. Inviting someone who lives alone to join you for dinner, a game of cards, or some other pleasurable activity would also be a wonderful way for you to honor Bob and his life. The family would like to thank all of those who helped enrich Bob's life, and who just dropped in to bug and pester him.