Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert Zeugner Obituary

Robert Lloyd Zeugner, 51, of Las Cruces, NM, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, after a long struggle with a persistent lung infection. Robert was born in 1957, third son of USMC Col Robert and Betsy Zeugner, of Petersburg Va., who both predeceased him. Robert received a BA from Roanoke College, worked for the Va Attorney General's office, made a career in the QUASAS program, and was stationed all over the world. He served with distinction in the US operation Just Cause, to liberate Panama. Robert was a gentle and highly sensitive soul — bright, artistic, gregarious and generous.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie L Graber of Las Cruces, NM, originally of Virginia, and her parents, John and Diane Graber, of Fredericksburg, Va. He is also survived by his oldest brother John and his wife, Bucci Zeugner, of Richmond Va.; an uncle, Gage Grindle of Hampton Va., and an uncle, Thomas Morris of Texas. His middle brother, Maj. Thomas CM Zeugner, U. S. Army, was killed in action in the First Gulf War.

Robert and Valerie were blessed with an idyllic eight year relationship and were married in 2006. They also shared a love of tennis, in which they both excelled; an active outdoors life; and a passion for adventure and travel that kept them busy for years, collecting art and making many friends.

Oh, bang the drum slowly,

Play the fife lowly….

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index on Oct. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Zeugner

Not sure what to say?





Dave Brown

October 11, 2023

First met Robert at the depot in Savanna, IL. It was our first day, at what I´ll call class. He was sunning himself on the front steps of the main campus building with a pair of Rayban glasses, and a smile. He introduced himself and said, "You know we´re the only two people here with a button down collars on." I responded in kind. We were friends from then on. Rest in peace Robert.

Mike & Shirley Lewis

October 11, 2021

I can't believe it has been 13 years ago that we lost Robert. Shirley and I still think of him and still have a photo of us on the wall.

Fred Kolchin

June 24, 2009

I was shocked to learn that Robert died. We lived in the same apartment complex for a few years in the early 90s. I visited him for a week in 94. Robert has always been in my thoughts on and off the tennis court. He is the reason I drive a convertible and he introduced me to a lot of new music. He even lent me his record albums for a few years because he did not want to hook up a turntable.

jody brenner

June 24, 2009

I am appalled to hear of Robert's passing. We shared great times on the tennis court. He had a heart of gold and truly cared about his fellow human beings. Rest in peace my friend.

John Bahns

December 18, 2008

I met Robert in 1987 or so in Panama. We were best friend since about a minute or so after meeting. He was one in a million and I will miss him.

Chip Wright

November 28, 2008

I heard only yesterday the sad news about Robert. Robert and I were good friends in high school and often got together, after we went to college, when we were both back in Petersburg. He was a great guy, smart and funny, and a great friend with whom I shared many good times. I hadn't spoken to Robert in years, but I never stopped thinking of him as my friend and I always expected and hoped to hook up with him again. I feel a great sense of loss and sadness that I won't be able to do so. I thought of him recently (and did some web searches to see if I could locate him) when I got an iPod and downloaded as the first song Plastic Bertrand's Ca Plane Pour Moi. Robert introduced me to that song, and many others. I had a lot of fun with Robert, and I'm sorry for his passing. My deepest sympathy to Ms. Graber and John.

Lee Fredrickson

November 15, 2008

Wow - I was truly shocked to learn of the passing of Robert. I knew Robert through his brother, Thomas. Tom and I worked together at the ROTC detachment in San Bernardino, and met Robert a couple of times. After Tom's death, I had a son whom I named in his honor and told Robert about it. He was pleasantly surprised and honored, and I wished that Robert could have met my son, Thomas. Valerie, I never met you, but you have my sincerest sympathies and hope all goes well for you and your family. The Zeugner family will always have a place in my heart and my life, and it saddens me to hear of Robert's passing.

Stacey Arnold Jani

November 12, 2008

Valeria, what a wonderful man Robert grew to be. I wish I had known that part of his life. We knew each other in high school and he was wonderful then. God bless.

alison metsker

November 4, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. i knew Robert in Roanoke college. he was a great guy. i especially understand your grief as my husband died in Feb. Feel free to contact me. i am so sorry you have to go through this.

Friend Confidant

October 29, 2008

Zuegy- "Golden one", Is what I knew him as. What a big loss to lose Robert. He was a generous wise "old soul". He helped me and lifted me up during a bad time in my life. Robert had a way of helping others even if he was dealing with his own convictions. He gave good advise even though he some times would not follow his own. I will always think of Robert as I watch the rising sun. I dedicate Van Morrison song "Brand new day" to you Robert.. Smithereens: "Blood and roses", "In a lonely place"; Golden Palominos "These days". I had so much to tell him and I regret not saying them. It has been a great big loss to those of us who knew Rob. I will never forget you.and I will always miss you. Love always , " Little Ray of sunshine".

Steve Richard

October 29, 2008

I only just learned of Roberts death. I lost touch with him after
highschool (Bollingbrook). He and I had several memorable moments over our high school years that I will always cherish. He was wise beyond his years and knew how to enjoy life. I am sad he has left us and mourn
your loss.

Tracy Kurtenbach

October 26, 2008

Roxy Music and the Velvet Underground both said it, but we will truly miss "your pale blue eyes". What a great loss to lose Robert "sid" so early. When you were with Robert everything was just so much fun. He would always start the day by saying "good morning little yellow bird"! The Golden Palominos, Counting Crows, Allanis Morisette, and Van Morrison will always remind me of Robert (and of course Bryan Ferry). I spent 1993-1997 with Robert. Road trips to Hermosillo Mexico, ski trips to Wolf Creek and Taos, mountain biking by the Organ mountains, and of course tennis. Robert generously supported me through the death of my mother and helped me through a very rough and jagged 4 years. Drives to Chopes for rellenos with the top down in the Miata and Sunday brunches at Tatsu for Japanese. Day trips to Juarez every weekend, sitting in the mercado eating chips and salsa and having a cold beer, and of course always visiting our good friend Carlos. I will miss you so much Robert, you are part of what formed me and gave me class and confidence, and I will think of you and miss you everyday.

Tamara Fetterolf

October 23, 2008

So sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. I went thru the QASAS program with him. He was always full of life and a kind person.

Jose Garcia

October 22, 2008

Valerie:

My most sincere condolences for your loss, Robert was to say the least a unique individual. We met in 1984 and were classmates (Group 68) in the former U.S. Army Defense Ammunition and Chemical School at Savanna, Illinois. We shared a few laughs, drinks and friends during our 18 month stay along the Mississippi… My prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cassie

October 22, 2008

What a great loss to this world much too soon. I will miss so you very much and you will always hold a place in my heart.

Valerie, My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you in this time.

Rolf von Hellens

October 22, 2008

My deepest condolences to all the Zeugner family. Robert and I worked at Blue Grass Army Depot as QASAS and we participated in 5k and 10k runs. He seemed to find great joy in just participating in the activity with other people. That thought of Robert has come to mind many times over the years as I continued the activity. His passing is certainly our loss.

Bill Wheaton

October 22, 2008

I was so very sorry to hear of Roberts passing. I was a class mate of his at the Ammo School, but over the years had lost track of where he was. Robert could always be counted on to make us laugh. There were times he was frustrating to the instructors as he seemed to be just wasteing time and not really concerned with their instruction; but them come test day he would breeze right through, usually right at the top of the class. One of my best memories of Robert is of him lying in the middle of the sidewalk in front of our class room building on a cool fall day, just relaxed and catching some rays.

George Williams

October 21, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mark Featherston

October 21, 2008

What incredibly sad news. Robert and I went thru the ammo school together and were the best of friends. We spent a great deal of time together and were involved in any number of shenanigans, good times. Robert was always upbeat and the type of friend you could count on to have your back in bad times or situations. Valerie I’m glad to read that he finally found someone to love and fill the loneliness. The world has become a lesser place with his passing…

Kevin Weeks

October 21, 2008

Scorecard for Match # 1078130 in 2004 USA ADULT LEAGUE
Status: Confirmed by League Coordinator

GA35M(LCTPA)
Team ID: ***** Vs. southwest GA35M(TW#2)
Team ID: *****

Date Scheduled : 5/1/2004 Date Match Played : 5/1/2004 Entry Date: 6/29/2004
Home Team Visiting Team Best 2 of 3 Sets


#1 Singles GA35M(LCTPA) is the winner. Kevin A. Weeks
Completed Vs. Carlos R. Sanchez 7-6
6-3

#2 Singles southwest GA35M(TW#2) is the winner. Daniel Sadiq
Completed Vs. Christian Wolff 6-4
3-6
6-4

#1 Doubles GA35M(LCTPA) is the winner. Jagdev S. Cheema
John A. Trujillo
Completed Vs. Osvaldo Orozco
Kevin Lovell 6-4
6-4

#2 Doubles southwest GA35M(TW#2) is the winner. Leslie C. Smith
Joe Thompson
Completed Vs. William G. Tepsick
Edward Abraham 6-1
6-3

#3 Doubles GA35M(LCTPA) is the winner. Robert L. Zeugner
Howard A. Grayless
Completed Vs. Jeffrey Alley
Jorge Gallardo 4-6
6-1
6-4

Valerie When I heard Robert Had Passed away I thought of this day and how he pulled off the last win in order to win the match. We all celebrated as if we had won the World Series or Super bowl it was a great day espically for Robert.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave Brown

October 21, 2008

Dear Zeugner Family, Words fail me, and I am so sorry for your loss. Robert was a great guy and good friend. Rest in peace Robert.

Mitch Hillard

October 21, 2008

Valerie,

I am very sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you in your time of sorrow. I knew Robert back at the QASAS school in Savanna. He had a real sense of fun and really radiated that to those around him. I'll be remembering you both in my prayers.

V Z

October 20, 2008

Dearest Robert WE will miss you. You have left a hole in our hearts. You are a very loved person. You had enough love to go around the whole world. I know you brightened up the days and even in your darkest moments you were there for your friends and family. I also will always love you. Z.

Gina zafarano

October 20, 2008

Dear Valerie, You do not know me but I too feel your pain. I spoke w/ Rob the night he passed and he did tell me how much he loved you and was dying without you. He called you his princess. He was so looking forward to being with you. Robert is a good man with a lot of love and I am grateful you were there with him his last years- so unexpected that this could happen to him - to you. May the lord bless you Valerie and make his face to shine on you and give you comfort.

Willard O'Hearn

October 20, 2008

Val, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Robert. We were good friends and had a good time working together. He will be in my prayers.

Mike Lewis

October 18, 2008

Val,

I am sorry for your loss, and as you know, Robert and I were close, and I still am at a lost for words.

Valerie Graber

October 17, 2008

Robert, I will alway love and miss you.

Beverly Beckage

October 17, 2008

Valerie, I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was a fine man. I met him when we both worked out at White Sands. I met you, too, once after he married and moved back here.
He will be missed.

Vickie Montez

October 17, 2008

Valerie, I just want you to know that I feel your pain and I am sooo sorry for your loss. I know you loved him so much. Be strong & take care
Vickie

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Zeugner's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Zeugner

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Zeugner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more