Robert "Bob" Wingenter

Robert “Bob” Joseph Wingenter, 87, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, just five days short of his 88th birthday. 

A native Beevillian, Bob was born on November 17, 1936, to Henry and Margaret (Rutkowski) Wingenter. He was the youngest of three children.

Known for his charm and wit, Bob was a 1954 graduate of A.C. Jones High School. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University (San Antonio) in 1958, Bob joined the teaching staff of Beeville Independent School District. He later earned his Master’s degree from Texas State University (San Marcos). He spent his entire career in BISD. 

Bob married the love of his life, Norma “Candy” Lee Smith in 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beeville, where the happy couple remained active parishioners throughout their long lives together. Bob and Candy had two children: Mark Wingenter of Beeville and Robert Pease-Wingenter of Goodyear, Arizona. They had one daughter-in-law: Claudine Pease-Wingenter of Goodyear, Arizona. They were blessed with two amazing granddaughters: Francesca Pease-Wingenter of Kutztown, Pennsylvania and Lucia Pease-Wingenter of Tucson, Arizona. 

Throughout his life, Bob was active in the Beeville community that he loved. In addition to serving his church in numerous ways, he was a member of the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Peregrine Society, Divine Mercy Society, and Bee County Chapter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Bob was an accomplished and self-taught carpenter, proud of his German heritage, and a cancer survivor. He loved spending time with family and friends, as well as catching up with former students. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (William Wingenter), his sister (Florence Kohutek), as well as his wife. He is survived by his sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Mass celebration following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Beeville Memorial Park.