Robert Jerome Heurung

Robert Jerome Heurung (Sparky, Goldbob), age 76, of Yarnell, Arizona, entered Valhalla on August 24th, 2025. Bob was born December 20th, 1948, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was the son of Jerome Arnold Heurung and Rita Elizabeth Hoeschen (Heurung, Peterson). Bob as a child was the alleged black sheep, full of spunk and eagerness and a will to overcome. He enlisted in the Navy right after high school, bound for Vietnam. During his service he became a Navy Seabee. Not only did he build and fight, but he also took photos and memories home to share. After returning from Vietnam, he never forgot. He did many things to help his fellow veterans. He volunteered at the VA, driving the DAV van, mowing at Camp Ripley, and advocating to help other vets get the benefits they deserved. His photos have won awards, and he is the author of 2 books about the war.

Starting in the 90s, he researched and taught himself how to build/maintain multiple web pages and domains. Ultimately he died from a disease he contracted during his service. Bob made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Some gave all; all gave some. He was a jack of all trades and had many different careers. From electrician and truck driver to running an emu farm. Everything he did, he tried to do for his kids. He enjoyed time with them fishing, agate hunting, metal detecting, and hanging out at the beach. He also enjoyed playing poker and really disliked pocket 2's. Those damn ducks. 5 years ago, he decided to go on another adventure and moved to Arizona. A new hobby and a new land. He became Goldbob and prospected/mined his heart out. From the battlefields near China Beach, Vietnam, to the gold claims of Arizona, he left a lasting imprint. He had lots of hopes, dreams, and ideas that couldn't sit still.

Bob is survived by his children, Matt of Albany, MN, and Molly of St. Joseph, MN; grandchildren Kira, Wyatt, Wesley, and Colton; sisters Ruth and Marilyn; brothers Tony, Lewis, and Neal; and many nieces and nephews that had that unique Uncle Bob. Also many friends and family he met along his journeys and his dog, Rocco. He was preceded by his parents, his sister Joan, and his chihuahua/wannabe Cujo dog, Odie. In lieu of flowers, please smoke a joint or two for Bob. Funeral services will be at Camp Ripley military cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota, at a later date.

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