Robert Peter Dudenhoeffer, 80, died May 17, 2021 after a courageous battle with COPD.
He was born April 13, 1941to the late Herbert Leo Dudenhoeffer and Anna Sophia (Troesser) Dudenhoeffer in Frankenstein.
He was united in marriage to Mary (Gabelsberger) Dudenhoeffer April 4, 1964, at Our Lady of Help Christian Church in Frankenstein.
Robert attended elementary school at Our Lady of Help Christian Catholic Church in Frankenstein and later studied for the priesthood at LaSalette Seminary in Jefferson City and then in New York state. After leaving the seminary, he continued his education at Lincoln University.
Robert and Mary lived in Jefferson City where he worked as a salesman and HVAC engineer. After his retirement, Robert and Mary moved back to their hometown of Frankenstein, where Robert grew a small orchard, vineyard and garden.
He was always on the go and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Robert was an avid card player and fisherman. He enjoyed playing Preference with friends and Pitch and Rummy with Mary, Stacie and grandchildren. He often won. Likewise Robert loved fishing and could spin a tale or two about his monstrous catches, although on numerous occasions, his granddaughters caught more fish than he did to his delight. His winemaking was exceptional and enjoyed by many and his favorite was elderberry wine.
Despite his years with COPD, Robert tried his best to continue to live life to the fullest. He was a devote Catholic who practiced his faith with much reverence and made prayer a part of his daily schedule. Robert served the Church on the cemetery committee in spearheading the restoration of the cemetery and served as a Sacristan in the Church and on the Bicentennial Committee. He realized his mortality, but his faith gave him strength and hope of life with his heavenly Father.
Robert was proceeded in death by parents, Herbert and Anna; an infant brother also named Robert; sister Evelyn Burden; brother James Dudenhoeffer; and brother-in-laws Lee Gabelsberger, James Loethen and Denise Lamb.
He is survived by wife of 57 years, Mary; son, Donald Dudenhoeffer and wife Monica; daughter, Stacie Holt and husband Todd; grandchildren, Megan and Maria Dudenhoeffer and Rachel and Valerie Holt; sisters, Lucille Lamb, Leona Loethen and Rose Mary Surface and husband Terry; brothers David Dudenhoeffer and wife Diane and Greg Dudenhoeffer and wife Susan; sister-in-laws, Diane Dudenhoeffer and Sally Gabelsberger; brothers-in-laws, Harold Gabelsberger and wife Betty, Edward Gabelsberger and wife Judy, David Gabelsberger and wife Mary, Donald Gabelsberger and wife Paula and Robert Gabelsberger and wife Bonnie; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 9- 11a.m., followed by teh funeral Mass at Our Lady of Help Christian Church in Frankenstein, Saturday, May 22. The family requests mask be worn.
Memorial contributions suggested to Our Lady of Help Building Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
