Bob or, “Bobby” (as he was known as a child) was born near Manor, Texas to Robert and Laney (Ballerstedt) on November 24, 1925. As a child, Bob had many fond memories hunting, fishing and playing with his siblings and cousins while visiting his grandparent’s farm. Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the army and served in WWII. Bob earned several medals including the: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze star; Army of Occupation Medal (Germany); WWII Victory Medal; and, Sharpshooter Badge.
After returning from the war, he attended and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1950 with a degree in Architectural Engineering. In 1954, Bob married Florence Marks and raised three children, Deborah, James and Karen. After graduating college, he began work at Tips, Iron and Steel Works and continued there for 44 years eventually becoming a Vice President. Toward the end of his career at Tips, Bob was especially proud of his work on the Austin Convention Center and going to Milan, Italy to oversee material selection for the project. Bob was also a long-time member of the Professional Association of Architectural Engineering.
In 1993, Bob married Carolyn (Champion Psencik). With Bob’s Architectural background, he facilitated the building of their dream home on Lake Travis in Spicewood, Texas. Bob’s greatest passion in life was golf. He had been a member of the Onion Creek Club. He enjoyed playing golf at Spicewood Beach and helped to maintain that golf course. For many years he was an active board member of the Spicewood Beach Water Supply Corporation and eventually served three years as their President.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph (Jojo) Francis; his daughter, Karen Marie Gustafson; and his stepdaughter, Carrie Psencik Sutphen.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Champion Psencik); his two children: Deborah (Benny) Ochoa and James Gustafson; his five stepchildren: Linda (John) Steele, William (Debbie) Psencik, Nancy Psencik, Sally (Gary) McNeil and Richard Psencik; his sister, Theresa McLain; his four grandchildren: Kinney Ochoa, Ben Ochoa; Adrienne Segura, Elena Segura and three great-grandchildren.
Bob’s Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf St., Austin, Texas. Private Family Burial will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018.
Flowers may be sent to St. Ignatius Church the day of service.
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