Robert Paul Allerheiligen, 70, of Ft. Collins, passed away peacefully at Poudre Valley Hospital on May 19.
Rob was born in Denver, Co. on Dec. 23, 1944, to the late Helen and Paul Allerheiligen. He grew up in Cheyenne until returning to Lakewood for high school. While attending college at CSU he participated in ROTC, managed and was a radio announcer at KCSU-FM and KCOL, and graduated with a bachelor’s in speech arts in 1967.
After USMC Basic School in Quantico, VA, Rob was a Defense Control Officer in Cherry Point, NC. He was stationed in Okinawa with a short tour in Vietnam 1968-1969 and retired as Captain.
After completing his military service he obtained a Masters in business administration in 1974 and taught Business at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley until 1976. He then he returned to CSU as director of International Programs. In 1979 the family moved to California where he completed his doctorate in International Marketing at the University of Southern California in 1986. He returned to CSU where he joined the faculty in the Marketing Department and taught until his retirement in 2006. He served as chair of the Asian studies board, and on the ROTC advisory board and was a commencement announcer at CSU graduation ceremonies from 1988-2007.
A well-respected and admired professor, Rob touched the lives of thousands of students. He was an instructor in video telecast courses for the distant MBA, connecting students across the globe to CSU’s business programs. Over many summers Rob took students on education abroad study experiences in Europe as well as a semester long program to Brisbane, Australia, in 1989. He taught business courses at institutions in France and Germany, and was a visiting professor at Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Within the Fort Collins community, Rob was an member of Sertoma Club service organization since 1970; served several years on the Fort Collins Library Board, and was a member of the Executive Committee and Vice President of Board of Directors for Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado since 2010.
Rob was a beloved father and grandfather. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play hockey and baseball, attending birthday parties, and going camping. He leaves behind his two children, Laura (Scott) Bargar, and Brad (Tennille) Allerheiligen; six grandchildren, Amy, Taylor, Blake, Cade (Bargar), Max and Brooke (Allerheiligen), former spouse and mother of his children, Sandra J. Lee, former spouse, Judy McClure, and former companion of many years and forever friend, Kelly Long. His family would like to express gratitude and thanks to his friends who helped during the last stages of his illness.
During his life, Rob traveled widely in the international arena with students, friends, and colleagues. He made a positive impact that will continue on. A memorial service will be held on June 27th at the Veteran’s Plaza at Spring Canyon Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans Plaza P.O. Box Q, Fort Collins, Co 80525.
