Robert Wittneben, Sr.

Robert Lee Wittneben,Sr. 92, passed away July 31, 2017 in Bryan.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church of New Ulm, with Pastor Glen Hohlt officiating. Burial will be in the New Ulm Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main in Brenham.

Robert was born April 26, 1925 in Temple, Texas to Elsa (Krause) and Henry F. Wittneben

He was baptized by Rev. O. Lindenberg at St. John Lutheran Church of New Ulm, where he was confirmed on May 26, 1940 by Rev. Leo H. Simon. He remained a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran until his death, where he served as treasurer and president of the church council. He also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Austin Co. Farmers Mutual Insurance Co.

Robert learned the lessons of the Great Depression – the importance of working hard, living frugally, honestly, and ethically. These lessons stayed with him throughout his lifetime. As a boy, he worked alongside his parents on the land: farming, raising cattle, and all the chores associated with living in rural Texas.

After attending Henkhaus Elementary school, he moved to Bellville in order to complete high school, and graduated from Bellville High School in 1943. He continued to work on the family farm after graduation, until WWII changed his life, and drew him away from family, friends and the safety of home. A true and lifelong patriot, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the “Greatest Generation” during World War II in the Pacific Theater, stationed on the island of Mindinao in the Phillipine Islands with the 34th Regiment, 24th Inf. Division. He was part of the Japanese Occupation Force, and was honorably discharged November, 1946.

With the help of his grandson, he was able to make a trip to Perryville, Missouri to visit his World War II fox hole buddy, Milton Vogel.

During these times, he corresponded with the girl he left behind, Wilma Maurer, and soon after his return, they married on October 24, 1948. Wilma and Robert Lee were married 68 years, building their home on the land that has been in the family for generations.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Maurer Wittneben of New Ulm; daughters Linda Kiemsteadt and husband David of Brenham, and Carol Kruger of Brenham; son, Robert L. Wittneben Jr. of New Ulm; grandchildren: Jason Kiemsteadt (Jennifer) of Brenham; Bethany Sherrard (Rob) of Industry, and Amy Hale (Zach), of Pearland; Heidi Brooks (Lance) of Midland; Derek Wittneben of New Ulm; Chad Kruger (Rhonda) of Eva, Alabama, and Kellan Kruger and special friend Elizabeth Hallman of Colorado Springs; great-grandchildren: Lukas and Ellie Sherrard, Laurna and Alex Epple, Jay Jay Kiemsteadt, Owen, Gage, and Kase Hale, Angela Brooks, Anneliese and Brennam Kruger; step-greatgrandchildren Blake Hallman and Hunter Hallman; sister Teola Huff of Nelsonville. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Last but not least, he is survived by his special pet companions, Franzi and Schatzie.

He was predeceased by his parents, Elsa and Henry Wittneben; brother-in-law, Connie Huff; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Alita and Willie Winkelmann; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Evelyn and Melvin Maurer, as well as by his beloved dachshund companion, Fraulein.

Robert retired from the Texas Highway Dept., at the age of 62. After his retirement, he was busier than ever. He was a gifted artisan, specializing in building with wood. He built a number of grandfather clocks, presenting each of his children, and each of his seven grandchildren with a grandfather clock, lovingly built with precision and attention to the tiniest detail. His first and most special clock, of course, was built for his beloved wife, Wilma. She was his partner in construction of the clocks he built for others. These beautiful clocks continue to tick away, the sound of the melodious Westminster chimes a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship, and a constant reminder of his continuing love for those most dear to him. Cedar chests, glass curio cabinets, magnificent 2-story dollhouses, fireplace mantels - all have special places of honor in the homes of his family.

After retirement from Texas Dept. of Transportation, he continued as an active agent and officer in Austin Co. Mutual Insurance Co., and was often called out of retirement to offer advice and counsel. He was well versed in the intricate details of mutual insurance companies, and gained the respect of all who worked with him.

He was a member of the Industry Volunteer Fire Department, and the Bellville Masonic Lodge,

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Kiemsteadt, Zach Hale, Rob Sherrard, Derek Wittneben, Chad Kruger, Kellan Kruger, Billy Winkelmann, and Ricky Huff.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Dewayne, Emily, and Shelby Gross, Mable Hall, and Jennifer Hall.

Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church of New Ulm.

Funeral arrangements for Robert Lee Wittneben are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham.

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