In Memory

Robert Wenning

ROBERT S. "BOB" WENNING

Robert S. "Bob" Wenning went to be with Jesus on March 3rd, 2018. His steadfastness and kindness were evident in his death as much as they were present during his life. Bob came to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ in his later years, which provides great joy to his family, who look forward to a future reunion. Bob was born in Corpus Christi, TX on October 21, 1942. He graduated W.B. Ray High School in 1960, attended New Mexico Military Institute and graduated from Texas Tech University with a mechanical engineering degree in 1964. Upon graduating, he also earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech. After serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers he began his career with Dupont in Wilmington, DE, spent over 15 years at Abbott Laboratories in Dallas and finished his career with his treasured TBM Consulting Group in Durham, NC. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, his battle was long but his passing was short and peaceful. Despite the difficult disease that diminished his brain and deteriorated his body, as in all things he did, he never complained, never wavered and his kindness and respect to all were fully present throughout. He impacted many nurses and caregivers who lovingly assisted him in his final years, for whom the family is very grateful. Bob is remembered by his family for his patience, kindness, gentleness, intellect, faithfulness, wisdom, integrity and humility. While he had a very successful business career and accomplished much professionally, he valued time with his family as more precious than any public accolade. Bob was a committed husband and a devoted father. He rarely missed a chance to coach his children's sports teams, help with homework, lead an Indian Guides/Princess campout or create a new apparatus to make an everyday task easier. Most who knew him wouldn't be surprised by his undefeated record at his children's Pinewood Derby car races, but his family remembers him much more for the sentimental, heartfelt letters he wrote each Christmas to his loved ones. He enjoyed hiking (summiting Long's Peak in Colorado at age 60), Mexican food, working out at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, sailing at Corinthian Sailing Club on White Rock Lake in Dallas, playing golf at MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, NC, learning new cultures while traveling internationally and reading about personal finance. More than anything else, however, he loved spending time with his family, especially at WenBar Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Bob is survived by his committed and loving wife, Sandy, his children Julie Wenning Giesenschlag, Kristin Wenning Cowden, Craig Wenning and their respective spouses, Brian Giesenschlag, Allen Cowden, and Julie Wenning. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren. Bob was affectionately known as MeDad to Zachary, Brock and Ava Giesenschlag of Cincinnati, OH, Jack, Luke and Lucy Cowden of Austin, TX and Caleb, Davis and Avery Wenning of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his cousin Stacy R. Barton. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and John Wenning. While not of kin, Carol, his devoted and compassionate personal caregiver in his final years, has a special place in the family's hearts. Bob's ashes will be scattered at a private family service at his favorite place on Earth – the WenBar Ranch. A public memorial service will be held at The Sanctuary, 2614 Exposition Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703 at 1:30 pm on March 23, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would covet your prayers, appreciate hearing your favorite memory of Bob or would love the thought of you serving someone else in need in his honor. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated for Need Him Ministries, Dallas TX, or the Brain Support Network. Donations can be made in memory of Robert Wenning by check mailed to Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026, or by credit card at brainsupportnetwork.org



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

04/07/18 10:15 AM #1    

Carol Ann Jarvis (Zeitler)

What a wonderful life and a beautiful tribute.  Rest in Peace Bob.


04/07/18 10:51 AM #2    

Knox Graham

I'm so sad to hear of Robert's passing. We had a good visit at the 50th reunion and talked about the days when we cruised Corpus Christi in his Jeep or in his Volkswagen beetle. You're a good man, Robert...rest in peace.


04/07/18 12:03 PM #3    

Larry Maltz

Another one of my very young childhood friends.  Robert and I were born 2 days apart and lived on the same street until we went off to College.  I visited the Win-Bar ranch many, many times with Robert and his parents in the 50's, and continued going with Robert until his illness.  We hunted together.  We climbed the hills around the ranch so many times I cant count.  We were shipmates (Sea Scouts) in the 50's, and so much more.  Went to Roberts memorial service and held back tears.  Sandy his wife is such an angel.  Wonderful memories are never forgotten.  Viva Robert!


04/07/18 01:08 PM #4    

Jon Patterson

I was so sorry to see that Robert passed way.  Our famlies lived several houses apart on Barracuda st. in Corpus.  During the years 1955-1957 we were in and out of each others homes constantly.  No electronic gadgets back then, we had to "play" and play we did.  We tossed footballs, baseballs for hours and rode our bikes before we had cars.  I am in the Ray class of 58, but the 2 year difference in our ages didn't matter.  I'll never forget the several days we spent with his parents in the hill country...chiggers and ticks found us, we didn't have to find them.  Back in those days his name was Robert, so its a bit awkward referring to him as Bob.  His parents were wonderful people who displayed their love to him always while Mrs. Wenning always fixed us a great lunch.  We had several phone visits over the years, not many but enough to keep up with our careers, family and things in general.  I never saw him after our family moved a few streets away, then I moved to Houston to go to school.  I know he's in a better place but that doesn't mean he's not missed by his family and friends. As an early teenager he was a quiet, intelligent, fun loving and perfect friend.  My prayers are with his family and friends.  

 

Jon Patterson

Tomball, Texas


04/07/18 02:30 PM #5    

Phyllis Brooks (Murphy)

 

 

Condolences to Robert’s family. I remember he was a very nice person. I know your loss is great and hope your memories sustain you. 

Phyllis Brooks Murphy


04/07/18 08:22 PM #6    

Tom Bray

Boy what a shock!  At the 50th he talked about moving to Austin to play golf.  We went our separate ways and lost touch after our living 3 houses apart on Barracuda while in junior and senior high school. He was my first friend in CC when we moved there in 1955.  We did many things together including unwrapping bailing wire which we spliced together and ran between the houses on the telephone pole behind our houses to communicate via a home brew intercom system.  I remember pushing each other in the soap box derby cars, my parents, Ray and Georgia, being good friends with his parents, Lucy and John.  I'm really sad to learn of his passing.

Tom(my) Bray


06/21/18 07:32 PM #7    

Ronnie Karchmer

Robert, we had a lot of fun doing our crazy things in high school. I always enjoyed being with you and was glad to see you at the 50 year reunion. Rest In Peace, my friend.


go to top 
  Post Comment