Robert Bernard Henke

Robert “Bob” Henke, 89, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas, on December 20, 2024. Known for his unwavering faith, loyalty, reliability and patience, Bob touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born on October 20, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Evelynn Disch and Wilbert B. Henke, Bob’s life was marked by significant milestones. He attended Christian Brothers College, a military high school at the time, where he graduated as the highest-ranking student officer in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program for the United States Army. Bob continued his education and ROTC program at Washington University and earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Soon after he began his professional career with Shell Oil.

Bob met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Weingaertner, at a Fontbonne College dance. They married on December 20, 1969, and subsequently transferred to Houston where they established deep Texas roots. Bob was a devoted husband to Betty for 54 years, who passed on July 10, 2024. Those fortunate enough to know Bob and Betty witnessed their deep bond that laid a strong foundation and example for their forthcoming family. Their love story concluded in a serendipitous reunion on December 20th, the day of their 55th wedding anniversary.

Bob was a humble, caring, and soft-spoken man who found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. From an early age, he had a deep love for dogs and horses, a passion mirrored by Betty. The Henke home was always brimming with pets, reflecting Bob’s gentle and compassionate nature, which extended into his role as a father.

As a patient and devoted father, Bob wore many hats, including “Math Tutor”, “Financial Coach”, and “Life Skills Mentor.” He inspired his children to excel in swimming, golf, and water skiing, while also teaching practical skills like driving, house, pool, yard, and basic car maintenance. He always had a project list and was happy to leverage it as a learning opportunity. Bob embraced his children's creative ideas, whether building a life-sized Nativity scene or designing elaborate Lionel train layouts for Christmas. His encouragement and hands-on approach empowered his children to turn their dreams into reality.

One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was spending time at the family lake house on Lake Livingston with family and friends. When not on the water captaining marathon rounds of skiing, tubing and sightseeing boat rides, he could be found diligently tending to the lawn, or happily manning a grill full of hamburgers and hotdogs with a Coke or Manhattan in-hand.

In retirement, Bob pursued his passion for golf, enjoying the camaraderie of neighbors and friends while perfecting his swing at Willow Creek Golf Club and later at Augusta Pines Golf Club. His dedication to practice culminated in a memorable Hole-In-One on the 17th hole. Bob loved sharing his interest in golf with his grandkids through early morning golf ball hunts and golf swing coaching.

Bob’s love and commitment to his family were unwavering. He is survived by his children: Tracy Shortland (Alan), David Henke (Lynn), Chrissy Telle, Mary Ann Vollmer (Aaron), Margaret Carlson (John), and Karen Piper (Ted); his grandchildren, Adam, Tim, Ben, Tom, Christopher, Jamie, Thomas, Madeleine, Nathan, Matthew, Sydney, Emily, and Ryan; and his great-grandchildren Kyson, Kali, Teagan, Easton, Cadence, Ashton, Scarlett, Sawyer, and Mara. Family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, his brother, William “Bill” Henke, son-in-law, Alan Shortland, and his parents, Evelynn and Wilbert Henke.

Bob will be remembered for his gentle and quiet nature, patience, unwavering faith, and deep love and dedication to his family. Though he will be dearly missed, the exceptional values and traditions he instilled will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know him.

A memorial service and reception to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Sts. Simon And Jude Catholic Parish, The Woodlands, TX on January 17th at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Bob's memory, https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/5978991