Robert Keith Werling passed away on June 22nd,
2008, after a short illness. “Bob” will be greatly
missed by his family, friends and the church community he loved. He
lived his life as an example to all of us; his favorite advice
was, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and everything is
small stuff”.
Bob was born in New Haven, Indiana on September 28th, 1931 to
Esther and Paul Werling. He was the second of three boys.
His father died when Bob was just 4 years old, and a few years
later his mother moved her little family to California. Bob graduated
from Pasadena City College in 1949 and joined the Air Force in
1951. After his discharge he worked for Douglas Aircraft
Company, General Electric and NASA. In 1967 he was hired
by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., and he was employed there for
26 years. He retired as Facilities Manager.
Bob was very proud of his BS degree in Business Administration. He
graduated Magna cum Laude from the College of Notre Dame in 1977,
all while working full time supporting his family and attending
classes at night. He and his first wife Carol raised two daughters,
Virginia (Ginny) and Alycen, who were Bob’s pride and joy.
Bob married Christa in October 1981 and cherished their life together
for over 26 years. They enjoyed Folk-Dancing, while still
nimble, and traveling in retirement. His family grew over the years
as the grandchildren came upon the scene, and he loved them all
like his own. His merged family include Ginny,
her husband Eric, their sons Stephen and wife Kate; Jeffrey, his
wife Michelle and their daughter Hannah; Alycen,
her husband Jim, their sons David and Rory; Alexander,
his wife Anne-Marie, their daughter Gianna and son Gabriel; Veronica,
her husband David, their daughter Katie and son Josiah; Sylvia,
her husband Tom, their daughter Danielle and son Joshua; son Otmar (who
preceded him in death) his daughters Amanda and Amber. His
family surrounded him in his final hours, as they did during his
life. Bob also leaves two brothers, Richard and William,
many cousins and nieces and nephews who meant so much to him.
Bob’s life revolved around family and church. As a long-time
choir member, he was known as one of ‘The Boys in The Back-Row’.
When the new sanctuary was built, in the 1980’s, Bob was
the building chairperson. He was the ‘lone’ property
committee for many years, until in the last several years he was
joint by an energetic Wednesday morning crew; seeing the place
well maintained gave him great pleasure. He lent a helping hand
to anyone who needed it and was loved by so many. His big, infectious
laugh and great bear-hugs will never be forgotten.
The family would like Bob remembered as the kind, gentle, and
loving man he was— with a great sense of humor. He
had a strong faith in his Lord, which guided him home to his Lord
-Reflections by Christa & Alycen
May be made to ELCA World Hunger Program,
in memory of Bob Werling. Please make the check payable to "Prince
of Peace Lutheran Church" and in the memo line write "ELCA World
Hunger". Address: 12770 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 |