Robert Steinhauser

Robert Steinhauser, 86, of Terre Haute, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Westminster Village. He was born on January 18, 1933, in Terre Haute to Burt Steinhauser. Robert is survived by his daughters, Debbie Walden and husband Dale of West Terre Haute; Penny Eiden and husband John of Janesville, Wisconsin; and Lynn Steinhauser of Papillion, Nebraska; grandchildren: Melissa, Amy, Jennifer, Brent, Matt, and Michael; great-grandchildren: Hailey, Sydney, Jace, Gracie, Cole, Ava, Ella, and C.J. who is on the way; and a sister, Betty Kowel and husband Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 53 years, Charlene Steinhauser. Robert served in the Korean War with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He was a graduate of Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, earned his Master’s degree from Stanford University and is Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He worked at Rose Hulman for 45 years, beginning as an instructor. In 1961 he became an assistant professor and then an associate professor in 1969. Bob earned the title of Head of Mechanical Engineering in 1970. He became Professor and Chairman of the Division of Civil and Mechanical Engineering in 1975. Throughout his career at Rose Hulman, Bob received many distinguished awards including, but not limited to, Teacher of the Year in 1965 and 1966, and Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 1978 during Commencement. He was also named in the listing of “Outstanding Educators of America.” Bob was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, Blue Key, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Bob was honored through the receipt of a National Science Foundation Science Faculty Fellowship. In addition to teaching, he held numerous consulting assignments and participated in engineering-related investigations for insurance underwriters. He served as a faculty representative for athletics; chairman of athletics and recreation committee of the faculty; and served on the admissions and standing, library, quality of education, and tenure committees. In his spare time, Bob loved to golf and bowl. He was well known for chewing on the end of cigars and was rarely seen without one. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be truly missed. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 3 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Lilly officiating. Robert will be laid to rest next to his wife in Roselawn Memorial Park’s Chapel of Memories with military honors. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net