Robert Leroy Von Eschen

June 25, 1930 – June 29, 2026

Robert Leroy Von Eschen, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Robert was born on June 25, 1930, in Howard, South Dakota, to Leroy and Ann Von Eschen. During his childhood, Robert, his mother, Ann, and his brother, Jack, moved several times before eventually settling in Chicago, Illinois. As an adult, Robert was grateful to reconnect with his half-siblings, Marcia (Herb) Whetstine and Neil (Diane) Von Eschen, forming relationships that he cherished later in life.

A proud patriot, Robert faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War as an aviation mechanic. His military service reflected the sense of duty, discipline, and integrity that would define his life.

On May 8, 1954, Robert married the love of his life, Sylvia Joan Michols. Together they built a loving home and shared nearly forty years of marriage, raising their family with unwavering devotion, steadfast values, and unconditional love.

Following Sylvia's passing in 1992, Robert was blessed to find love again. In 1998, he married Mary Mande, with whom he shared fourteen wonderful years until her passing in 2012. Together they embraced life's adventures, traveling throughout the world, discovering new cultures, savoring exceptional food and wine, and creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Robert attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois, where he earned a certificate in Electronic Technology and Design in 1955. Following graduation, he accepted a position with Sandia Corporation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working in nuclear instrumentation and launching a distinguished career in engineering and aerospace. During his time in Albuquerque, Robert purchased his first investment property. What began as a single investment sparked a lifelong passion for real estate development and investing, eventually growing into a successful business and an enduring legacy for his family.

In 1960, Robert and Sylvia made Boulder, Colorado, their home, where Robert began a distinguished career with Ball Aerospace. His technical expertise, integrity, and visionary leadership earned him the role of Vice President. Throughout his career, Robert contributed to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace, including serving on the launch team for OSO-1 (Orbiting Solar Observatory 1), NASA's first successful solar observatory satellite. Among his proudest professional achievements was earning a patent for an innovative electrical circuit, with documentation of his work preserved in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.—a lasting testament to his ingenuity and contributions to engineering.

While excelling in aerospace, Robert quietly continued building the real estate investment portfolio he had begun in Albuquerque. Upon retiring from Ball Aerospace at the age of 50, he devoted himself full-time to starting Triple V Apartments and Construction, transforming a single investment into a thriving real estate development and investment company. Through vision, discipline, and unwavering determination, he built a business that continues to benefit generations of his family.

Robert possessed an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. He especially enjoyed reading history books and remained fascinated by technology throughout his life. Those who knew him admired his brilliant mind, quiet wisdom, humility, and remarkable ability to solve almost any problem. Though his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, he measured success not by titles or achievements, but by the people he loved and the life he built with them.

Family was the heart of Robert's life. He is lovingly survived by his brother Jack, four children, Sandy (Bob), Bob, Robin, and Scott (Julie); his 11 grandchildren, Scott, Jason, Kristen, Stephanie, Jessica, Jacqueline, Grant, Kevon, Keaton, Konnor, and Kohlor; and his 11 great-grandchildren. Watching his family grow brought him his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in each of their accomplishments. His legacy of love, integrity, generosity, and perseverance will live on through the generations that follow.

Robert will also be remembered for the kindness he extended to everyone he met. He had a rare gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. Whether sharing a warm smile, offering thoughtful conversation, or handing out one of his famous chocolate bars, he left a lasting impression on countless lives. His generosity, quiet strength, and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Robert's life was defined by faith, service, integrity, humility, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, innovation, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his family. His influence will continue to be felt for generations through the values he lived, the lives he enriched, and the example he set.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.