Celebrating a Life of Love: Robert Friesanhahn

Robert (Bob) Hugh Friesenhahn passed away in his home on July 13, 2015 at the age of 74 after more than thirteen years of illness due to congestive heart failure. Bob was born on March 22, 1941 to Florence Braendle Friesenhahn and Clarence Friesenhahn in San Antonio, Texas. His dear sister, Sharon Friesenhahn Kempf, joined the family two years later. She and her husband, Fred Kempf, were a huge presence in his life. He was part of a strong and passionate German Catholic family whom pioneered Leon Valley, Texas. His ancestors founded the Evers family cemetery in which Bob will be laid to rest, now a Texas Historical Landmark and home to over 150 years of tradition and heritage. He grew up with ever-present Catholic values and a strong faith in God, alongside the traditions of his wonderful German family. He was raised with aunts, uncles, and cousins that became his best friends for life. He and his family dwelled in the Leon Valley area, where he attended Northside High School (later John Marshall). While in high school, Bob met the love of his life, Bobbie Wilson, whom he married in a Catholic ceremony on May 6, 1961.

The couple had three children: Robin Friesenhahn Hughes, John Friesenhahn and Susan Friesenhahn Glenny, respectively. Although he and his family moved to various cities in Texas for his automotive industry career, Bob and his family always called San Antonio their home, and returned to Leon Valley in 1968. Bob was a devoted husband and father, and adored his children and their spouses, James Hughes, Wendi Hale Friesenhahn, and Clint Glenny, whom he viewed as children of his own. He shared an incredibly special bond with and love for each of his grandchildren, Brooks Friesenhahn, Morgan Glenny, Brody Friesenhahn (Marley Gastrock Friesenhahn), Holt Glenny, Abigayle Hughes, and Jameson Hughes, as well as Christopher (Kelly Joyce Hughes) and Lauren Hughes, and his great-grandson, Cody Hughes.

Bob was known for his unique and witty sense of humor, and had the ability to make anyone laugh or smile. He loved to hunt, fish, and show hogs, and was there alongside a multitude of family members as they cast their first line and shot their first deer. He made many friends through these hobbies, and always cherished the days he was able to spend by the river or at the ranch. Bob never strayed from his devout Catholicism and emphasis on tradition and family, teaching all his children and grandchildren the significance of heritage and an unwavering familial bond. It was impossible for those he met not to love him, for he touched the hearts of all that he knew with his immeasurable kindness, devotion, wittiness, and faith. He was a husband, father, and the greatest grandfather a person could imagine, and showed an insurmountable adoration for his family that cannot be described. He fought his sickness with congestive heart failure since March of 2002, never wavering in strength, endurance, and trust in the Lord.

His family would like to thank his team of physicians: Dr. Richard Clemons, Dr. Gerald Sioco, Dr. Kiran Jayaram, Dr. Mike Kwan, Dr. Scott Ulmer, and Dr. Dan Saltzstein. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the autism charity of your choice to honor the grandson he loved so much. Visitation for the family will be held at the Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m., proceeded by a rosary service at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on 4201 De Zavala Rd at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. The pallbearers for the funeral will be Brooks Friesenhahn, Brody Friesenhahn, Holt Glenny, Cooper Urbany, Todd Middleton, Kenny Spears, Dean Davenport, Bruce Davenport, and Brian Davenport. Bob was a wonderful man and child of God, and his impactful memory and incredible heart will never be forgotten.