The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Studtmann was born on February 12, 1929, to Rev. Max and Charlotte Luetzow Studtmann in Hooker, Oklahoma. Through the grace of God he joined the company of saints in heaven on February 16, 2021, in Amarillo, TX.
At the age of 13 Bob began to study for the ministry at Concordia Academy in Austin, TX, where his grandfather Dr. Henry Studtmann was faculty president. He continued his education at St. Paul’s College in Concordia, MO and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. In 1951 he served in Giddings, TX, as intern and school teacher. He met Barbara Jean Teinert in Giddings and they married on August 31, 1952. Pastor Bob served congregations in Giddings, TX, Dimebox, TX, Greensboro, NC, Galena Park, TX, San Antonio, TX and Great Bend, KS. He obtained a Master of Divinity degree while in San Antonio. Bob served as Bishop of the AELC and the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Christ Seminary-Seminex for his work in the church. After retirement Bishop Bob continued to serve congregations in the Tulsa, OK area.
Bob was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. He sang throughout his life and toured with the Lutheran Hour Chorus during his seminary years. He loved fishing, golfing, stamp collecting, writing humorous poetry, and spending time with his family, especially annual summer gatherings in Creede, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret Kriegel, brother Kenneth Studtmann, and grandson James Studtmann.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Steve (Shonda) Studtmann, Nathan (Lisa) Studtmann, Elizabeth (John) Steele, grandchildren Rebekka (Anthony) Coggins, Erin (Robert) Rasmussen and Jon (Tracey) Studtmann, and Rachel Wery, great grandchildren Landon, Kaleb and Emi, special furry friend Rio and a host of relatives and friends. A memorial service is planned for a later date to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to:
ELCA Good Gifts
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
ELCA.org/goodgifts
Or
Habitat for Humanity
322 West Lamar St.
Americas, GA 31709-3543
Habitat.org-Gift from the Heart
Adored Bishop Bob’s Bible studies and his admonition to always read texts WITH their punctuation!! I practice that to this day.
So sorry for your loss. Prays for you, John and your mother.
Bob was a great pastor and friend. I fondly remember our ministry together at Trinity in Great Bend for ten years. Many great memories! Sharon and I enjoyed our ‘friendly’ pinochle games with Bob and Barb. The games were a little competitive!
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Especially, Barb, we trust our Lord continues to comfort you.