Robert A. Weller

Robert Anthony Weller passed away on Monday, February 17th 2014 at the age of 92. Robert, known to his friends and family as “Bob”, was the fourth child of Clarence and Bertha Weller. He joined his sister Margaret, brothers Ed and Bill on May 23rd 1921 at the family home in Everett, Washington.

Raised in Everett, he attended Everett High School and graduated in 1939. In 1942, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. Bob was a Pharmacist’s Mate First Class and was awarded various medals for his service. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he attended the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1947 and returned to Everett to work at Solie Funeral Home. At a New Year’s Eve celebration Bob met his wife Irene and the two married on April 3, 1948. In 1961 the family moved to Arlington where he managed Solie Funeral Home which he later purchased and is now Weller Funeral Home.

In Arlington, Bob found a place to raise his family, own a business and discovered a community he loved. He was an active member of the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, Civil Service Commission, Cemetery Board, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Officer of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Stillaguamish Senior Center, Church Council Member, President of the Kiwanis Club, Officer and member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Financial Oversight Committee for Arlington High School, City Councilman and Arlington Airport Commissioner. Bob was awarded a lifetime membership to American Legion’s Post 76 and was voted ‘Man of the Year” by The Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Bob was a Rotarian for many years and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in 1985 by his fellow Arlington Rotarians. Bob was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, Walla Walla.

Bob and Irene enjoyed couple’s bridge, golfing and spending time at the family’s summer home on Totem Beach. He loved traveling with his friends and family and made many trips abroad. His great love was fishing and boating. He made many fishing trips to Alaska with his buddies and had grand tales of those trips, and he always filled the family freezer with Halibut. Avid sports fans Bob and Irene enjoyed being season ticket holders to the Washington Huskies, Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Supersonics.

Bob’s enthusiasm, compassion, and years of service provided an opportunity to touch the hearts of countless people and connect with friends far and wide. His vivacious personality and quick witted humor made an impression on everyone he met. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Bob preceded his loving wife, Irene of Walla Walla, of 65 years by 18 days. He is survived by his children, Tony, of Port Ludlow, Washington, Patrick, of Los Angeles, California and Mary Wollmuth, of Waitsburg, grandchildren, Christine, of Austin, Texas and Mollie, of Dubai, UAE and great-grandson, Karsten, of Austin, Texas, son-in-law, Duane Wollmuth, beloved brother Joe Weller, sister-in-law Mary and brother-in-law Ross and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Bill & Ed Weller; 1 sister, Margaret Reinhart; 3 sisters-in-law, Ann Weller, Eve Weller & Dede Weller & 2 brothers-in-law, Steve Michaud and Jim Volk.

Rosary Services will be 7pm, Sunday, March 16th at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home Walla Walla, Washington. Funeral Mass, 1pm, on Monday, March 17th, at Assumption Parish Walla Walla, Washington. Burial will be at the Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Washington on Wednesday, March 19th at 10am. There will be a reception at Glen Eagle following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or Walla Walla Catholic Schools, through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, WA.