Robert "Rob" Christian Hueni

Robert "Rob" Christian Hueni Jr., a master educator, craftsman and devout Christian, passed away on Monday, June 02, 2014 from pancreatic cancer. He was born in Bremen, Indiana to Robert C. Hueni Sr. and Letty Fry Hueni, who preceded him in death.

Rob graduated from Grace College on Winona Lake, Indiana. He attended school with the help of a tennis scholarship, and after failing miserably as an actor, discovered a world behind the scenes. His mentor at Grace College, Dr. Steve Grill, honed Rob’s skills in technical theatre and convinced him that his calling was teaching. Rob subsequently earned a master’s degree in Technical Theatre from Ball State University.

Rob began his teaching career at the Stanley Clark School in South Bend, Indiana. He spent 25 rewarding years as an educator at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, in the area of Technical Theatre and Speech. He served as Technical Director for over 75 productions; including set, lighting and sound design, construction, special effects and properties. His artistic talents and creativity shone especially bright in productions of Frankenstein, Peter Pan, Shakespeare in Love and The Man who came to Dinner, to name just a few. As exciting as bringing theater to life was for him, his true passion was teaching and mentoring his students. He had an amazing ability to recognize and nurture talents in his students that they themselves had not yet realized. He made leaders out of his students, instilling confidence and life-skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, teamwork and a strong work ethic.

Rob was able to pursue his love of tennis throughout his life. A natural coach and instructor, he served as the Head Tennis Pro at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club in Leesburg, Indiana for 24 summers. He was known for the children’s program he developed and grew over the years. He discovered paddle, or platform, tennis in the 1990s and enjoyed the competition, camaraderie and friendships the sport brought to his life.

Rob used his cancer as a means of glorifying God. Through Him alone, Rob gained the strength and wisdom to testify to God’s goodness during this trial in his life.

Rob is survived by his loving wife of fifteen years, Gretchen Musselman Hueni, their two children, Caroline and Robert III, seven brothers and sisters and 28 nieces and nephews.