He began working at a young age with his grandfather at his leather and harness shop where he made a nickel a day. In his teens he also worked at Busch Stadium with the St. Louis Cardinals renting seat cushions for the baseball games, he said it was a great job that enabled him to see the games as well! He joined the Air Force in May of 1954 and proceeded to have a long and successful career as a navigator. He had many great stories of how he navigated by using celestial navigation, using God’s gifts like the stars, planets, moon and the sun to find his way and guiding the pilots for safe flights. He retired from the Air Force in 1979 and considered Austin his home. He enjoyed 48 great years in his chosen home with the love of his life, Mary Ellen.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Mabel Toeniskoetter, his loving wife of 68 years Mary Ellen, his brother Kenneth Toeniskoetter, his sister Marilyn Fregalette and his grandson Chase Smith. Bob is survived by his daughters Debbie Smith (Charles), Nancy Bradley, and grandchildren Curtis Bradley (Shelly), Sarah Wimer (Phillip), Cole Smith (Chelsea) and great grandchildren Genevieve, Cora, Cal and Marlee.
Bob was a proud founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and he was actively involved in supporting his church family through various ministries, Collection counters, Eucharistic minister, Lecter and Greeter.
Bob loved being around people and he had many friends. Over the years he enjoyed playing softball, he also bowled in numerous leagues. He loved playing bridge with Mary Ellen for many years and lastly golfing was his go-to activity during his retirement, playing 3 times a week and in total for 50 plus years. He especially enjoyed playing cards and dice games with his family and friends, the more the merrier.
The last few years Dad was blessed with great support from his friends, and we would like to thank Dave and Sheila Biedermann and Brad and Yuuka Royer for their care and many meals they shared. His church family made sure he received communion when he was unable to attend mass, David Reed, Judy and Pat O’Rourke, Steve Mannion and Deacon Thomas Suniga. Then lastly, he had several extra special caregivers over the last year that we would like to thank Heidi, Mindy, Anna, Rita and Zenia, these ladies took great care of him and his family appreciates their loving care.
His family will truly miss him, he has always been our guiding light, by being the best Dad, grandfather and great grandfather any family could have. He offered great advice, years of wisdom and most importantly lots of love, we all will do our best to make you proud and show you we truly listened and loved you…yesterday, today and always.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St .Vincent De Paul or Mobile Loaves and Fishes in care of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 FM 620 N., Austin TX 78726
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78726, on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 am.
