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Robert A. Welzbacker Klamath Falls, OR QCWA # 26364 Chapter 188 |
Robert Allen Welzbacker of Monmouth, Ore. passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 17, shortly after his 90th birthday, from extended heart and lung issues. Bob was born to Peter A. and Frances E. Welzbacker on Dec. 7, 1930. He was born at home in the Ardenwall area of Milwaukie, Ore. Growing up, Bob was always active delivering the Oregonian newspaper before school on his bicycle. Working throughout his grade school years on more than six different routes, his longest route was over 12 miles, which he gave up at the strong encouragement of his father after enduring a particularly bad snowstorm.
Upon graduating from Milwaukie Union High School in 1948, Bob immediately entered the Navy at 17, and served as a sonarman in the Korean War on the decorated USS Owens and USS Radford destroyers. While on an extended weekend military leave, Bob married his high school sweetheart Kathryn (Katie) Rose Walter in 1950. After his discharge from service in 1952, Bob attended Portland State College and the family grew with the additions of daughters Nancy and Robin. Bob then transferred to Oregon State College, moving the family to Corvallis, where he graduated in 1956 with his Bachelor of Science in Education (Industrial Arts). Degree in hand, Bob moved the family south to Watsonville, Calif., where he started his first teaching position as a middle school industrial arts instructor and served his community as a boy scout troop leader. In 1961 the family continued to grow with the birth of son Robert (Todd) and moved north to Klamath Falls, Ore. where Bob took an industrial arts position at Klamath Union High School. In 1966, Bob transferred to the newly constructed Mazama High School, where in addition to his teaching responsibilities he established the school's electronics program and ham/amateur radio club. Furthering his personal education, Bob attended summer studies at Oregon State University and a summer internship in Texas with NASA. Bob graduated in 1970 with his Master of Science in Education (Industrial Arts).
After 33 years of educating, Bob retired from teaching in 1989. Beyond serving as a teacher, Bob continually strove to contribute to his community. As a lifetime member of B.P.O.E. Lodge 1247, Bob was extremely active in the Elks Scholarship Program, traveling throughout the state representing and coordinating the program for Klamath County, and in recognition, was selected 1970-71 Elk of the Year. In 1983, Bob served as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for the State of Oregon. In 1982 Bob joined Crater Lake Masonic Lodge 211 and in 1983 became a Master Mason. In 1991 Bob became a life member of Crater Lake, which merged with Klamath Lodge 77. Bob and Katie moved to Monmouth in 2008 where Bob established membership in Lyon 29 Masonic Lodge. Additionally, in 1984 Bob became a Shriner with Hillah Shriners, Medford, Ore.
Bob's patriotic commitment became a lifelong mission. He enjoyed amateur/ham radio (WA7IZU) and served 32 years in support of the United States Army Military Radio System (MARS). Bob loved being outdoors, boating, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. After retiring Bob and Katie split their time away from Klamath, commercial fishing at Shelter Cove, Calif. and Charleston, Ore. Away from the coast, Bob served the U.S. Forest Service as a fire spotter at Horsefly Lookout in Bly, Ore. Being a hands-on craftsman with a love of woodworking, he enhanced the lookout area with tables and "Z"s for all visitors and guests. Always the helping hand, Bob was supportive, helping and encouraging others to "Make Good Choices."
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kathryn (Katie) Rose Welzbacker, daughter Nancy (Larry) Buehler of Monmouth, Ore., daughter Robin Townsend of Independence, Ore., son Todd (Lorrie) Welzbacker of Saline, Mich., grandchildren Grant Buehler, Allison (Gabriel) Enriquez, Danielle Townsend, Matthew (Kelly) Townsend, Jarod Welzbacker, Katelyn (Ben) Rittinger, and Ethan Welzbacker, and five great-grandchildren; brother Gary (June) Welzbacker of Sacramento, Calif., and canine companion Mollie. Bob is preceded in death by brothers Peter and Lloyd, sister Marilyn, and grandson David Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Oregon Shriners Hospitals or a charity of your choice. Private burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Farnstrom Mortuary is caring for the family. Share your memories at FarnstromMortuary.com.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Herald And News on Dec. 27, 2020.
