Robert “Bob” Eugene Bockeloh, 83, husband of Ida Mae “Shelby” Bockeloh, died January 16, 2013 at College Station Medical Center ICU, surrounded by his family.
Robert was born March 30, 1929 in Waukegan, Illinois to Charles and Emily Stolp Bockeloh. He was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1947 and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin with a BBA in 1953. He was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1953 when he graduated. He was discharged in 1956 and remained Army Reserve for 6 years. As a computer systems developer, his job took Robert and his family to many different towns. Robert always found communities that had great schools, a nice new home, a Lutheran Church and a golf course. They lived the longest in Rye, New York. Upon retiring at 59, Robert and Shelby moved to Parish, Florida. Robert achieved a lifetime goal of being able to play golf all year-round and everyday weather permitting. When grandchildren started to come along, they moved to Conroe, Texas where they lived for 16 years and then moved to Kruse Village in 2010. Robert was known to his friends and family as a great debater, avid golfer, superb bowler and competitive bridge player who took pride in his wife’s, children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. And, as a way to celebrate each day with sweetness, he’d enjoy a big bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. He actively served his church and community in all towns that he lived in. Most recently, he worked with the Montgomery County Food Bank and Habitat to Humanity in the Woodlands. He was the Financial Secretary of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands. He and Shelby are members of Salem Lutheran Church in Brenham.
Robert and Shelby were married on July 7, 1951. His surviving family include his loving wife, Shelby; children and spouses: Roberta Lee “Bertie” and Jackie Chuong of Guilford, Connecticut; Mark Allen and Alison Telfer Bockeloh of Houston, Texas; Shelby Jean and Brad Bryan of Alpine California and Pame and Noi Banavong of Yorba Linda, California. His grandchildren are: Brett and Kyle Bockeloh, Sam Bryan and Nathan, Arlena and Eric Banavong. His favorite cat, Missy, is missing him. Robert loved animals and they loved him. Whenever he visited his children, their pets would naturally gravitate to him, and they are also missing him.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Salem Lutheran Church Mission Fund, Bread Partners of Brenham, Texas, or the charity of your choice.