ROBERT HENRY KUEMPEL
1940-2021
April 1, 2021, Robert Kuempel completed his earthly journey and entered Eternal Life with his Lord and Savior. Born June 13, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Henry and Ludora “Ludie” Kuempel. He lived on Bonnie Road for most of his pre-adult life. The family attended St. Martin’s Lutheran Church where Robert was confirmed in April, 1954. While attending Austin High School, he won The Tennis Doubles State Championship.
College included two years at Schreiner University, a junior college at that time, and finishing at The University of Texas, Austin with a Business Administration degree. Robert was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
After graduation, he went to Officer’s Candidate School which marked the beginning of 34 years of service in the US Army Reserves and retiring as a Colonel with The 75th MAC in Houston.
Health insurance was his chosen career field, where he worked for several companies, and retired from the State of Texas Insurance Department in 2010.
Robert married Jamie Sikes November 9, 1985 and they resided in Houston Texas. Robert was active in his church serving in various capacities including evangelism, property, administration & finance, usher, call committee, and church council President. He and Jamie were participants in the early years of Lutheran Helping Hands, an apartment ministry serving out-of-town patients getting treatment at MD Anderson.
After retirement, Robert’s love of the “burnt orange” continued. He loved watching all things UT. He was also a Houston Astros fan and enjoyed viewing the weekend golf games.
Robert is survived by wife, Jamie Kuempel; sister-in-law Birdie Kuempel; niece Margaret Brady; nephew John Kuempel and wife Michelle Kuempel; great niece Rose Brady; great nephews Samuel Kuempel and William Kuempel, aunt Marilyn Smith, and numerous cousins. Robert is predeceased by his parents Henry and Ludora Kuempel and brother Edmund Kuempel.
Robert’s subtle humor and his little chuckle will be missed. He was slow to anger, and always willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. He lived a life well loved and will be remembered for his patient and compassionate soul and his love for Christ.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, 77079. A burial/graveside service will follow on Friday, April 9, 2021, 3:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, 500 Immanuel, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660.