Robert "Bob" Wintergerst

Bob Wintergerst began his journey on earth when he was welcomed into the loving arms of his parents on August 1st 1955 in Chicago Illinois.     He grew up surrounded by his parents, Dorthy and Otto, brother Charlie, grandparents, and numerous cousins, all of whom he loved very much.

After graduating High School Bob heard the call to Go West Young Man, arriving in Butte Montana to continue his education at the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology.  It was there where he met the love of his life, Ann.

After getting married and graduating from College, Bob and Ann began their journey together, moving south to begin work in the oil industry.   While there they welcomed their daughter, Heather.   Bob was a loving and devoted father.  He was always coming home on his lunch break to play with his infant daughter, and using his woodworking skills to build furniture and a toy box for the ever-growing collection of toys.

Bob's journey was not always easy.  After a collapse of the oil industry Bob returned his family to Montana looking for a fresh start, and a new way to provide for his family.

While back in Montana, Bob soon realized that God summons mankind to be Stewards of his creation.   He took this responsibility seriously, and began his new career with the US Forest Service.  First as a Hydro Tech and then as an Environmental Engineer.   For over 35 years, working with numerous coworkers and collaborators, Bob would take environmental disasters and work tirelessly to restore God's creation to how it should be, full of vibrant rivers and streams, lush vegetation, and healthy and abundant wildlife.  Bob loved his work and he did it well.

Bob also took care of God’s creation by feeding and caring for the creatures around him. He greatly enjoyed trips with Heather to the duck pond in Anaconda where they would feed the ducks and geese that lived there.  He also loved taking care of his pet birds and fish, and feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard.  Animals would run towards Bob because they loved him, and he loved them back.

Bob's journey on earth ended when he was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on the morning of May 27th 2024.   Bob now begins his new journey in Heaven with the God he loves and the family members he lost.   He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in those who love him and in the environment that he so lovingly restored.