Robert "Bob" Bruce Tegtmeier

Robert “Bob” Bruce Tegtmeier, 66, went to his heavenly home on July 21st, 2018 after a valiant 35-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). His firm belief in God and love for his family supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Bob was born to Fred and Arlette Tegtmeier, a Dentist and a homemaker respectively, in the Bronx, New York on August 15th, 1951. His family moved to Harahan at an early age and he was a long-time resident of New Orleans area. He graduated from Sam Barthe High School in Metairie in 1971 and was quite the athlete. His athleticism along with an enduring faith in Jesus Christ would be what would help him exceed his estimated life expectancy after being diagnosed with progressive relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in his early 30’s. The latter part of his life he lived in southeast Texas. Bob was blessed with extraordinary charisma and speaking abilities. Although he worked in various industries, he got the greatest joy from helping others who struggled with physical disabilities. After being diagnosed with MS, he frequently volunteered his time raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Later, while living in Beaumont, he founded a nonprofit with a mission to provide those with disabilities the option to live independently outside of nursing homes. Even as his own disease progressed, Bob still routinely served fellow disabled citizens through an advocacy group called ADAPT. Together they protested from the state all the way to the nation’s capital to demand equality for the disabled. Locally, he would press the city council numerous times to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in public places, again trying to help those with a disability lead a more normal life. Despite his disability, Bob proudly lived away from a nursing home until just a handful of years ago when his MS progressed to the point where he was completely immobile and needed more intensive care. Bob had an extremely big and giving heart and rarely met a stranger. He is dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate the fact that he is now walking again in heaven with his Creator and those who have gone before him. Bob is survived by his wife, Zella “Barbara” Tegtmeier; previous wife and mother of his children Donna Montgomery Thom; his five children Daniel (Pamela), Timothy (Kendra), Mia Arlette, Jacob Thompson (Holly), Nathan Thompson (Lauren); his twelve grandchildren, Talen Tegtmeier, Ella Rivers, Blakely Thompson, Timothy Tegtmeier, Trista Tegtmeier, Payton Cox, Brielle Cox, Johnny Bruce Cox, Louis Thompson, Tru Tegtmeier, Ashley Schilling, and Lauren Schilling; and his brother, Randall. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and his sisterly aunt Sandra Gail Eisenstadt. Services to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home - Montgomery 20850 Eva St. Montgomery, TX 77356 on Saturday, July 28th at 10 a.m. After the service, Bob will be laid to rest at the New Montgomery Cemetery. A reception at the First Baptist Church of Montgomery will follow. The family will graciously accept flowers and plants sent to the funeral home, or if there is a desire to donate, please make them to the National MS Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate) or to ADAPT (http://adapt.org/donate/) in Bob’s name. You may leave written memorial condolences at www.shmfh.com

Robert "Bob" Bruce Tegtmeier

August 15, 1951 - July 21, 2018