Longtime Wheeling Trustee Bob Heer dies

Robert Heer, a nearly 20-year Wheeling trustee, died suddenly on Wednesday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the village said in a statement.

Heer, who was elected to the village board in 1995, also was a longtime Buffalo Grove police officer.

"Wheeling is devastated by Bob's sudden passing, and we share the grief of his family and loved ones in this time of loss," Wheeling Village President Dean Argiris said. "I can't overstate the degree that Bob was committed to this community and to all its residents. This is truly a profound loss for all of us."

Just over a week ago, Heer had filed to run for another term on the village board. Had he been elected April 7, 2015, it would have been for a sixth term in office.

A news release from Wheeling said Heer was taken to Northwest Community Hospital late Monday night, and was transferred to Northwestern Memorial in Chicago on Tuesday.

A Wheeling resident since 1981, Heer is survived by his wife Cathy, his sons Nick and Andy, and his daughter Kaitlyn. The news release said he was surrounded by his family when he died, and that his last act was to donate his organs, "and give the gift of life to another family this Christmas."

"Trustee Heer was not only an admirable leader, but also a person whose warmth will be fondly

remembered by everyone who came into contact with him," Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said in the new release. "His personal generosity and wise counsel are sure to be sorely missed."