Robert Owen Vegeler

1948 - 2024

Robert Owen Vegeler, 75, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away on March 9, 2024, Robert was born in Fort Wayne on April 15, 1948 to the late Robert H. Vegeler and Eldon (née Baker) Vegeler. He graduated from North Side High School, Class of '66 and earned his B.S. and M.S. Degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and matriculated from Indiana University Bloomington in 1975 with his J.D. Degree and entered practice in Fort Wayne; he married Margaret W. Shaffer the same year.

Robert's legal career was characterized by his unwavering dedication to his clients, using creative representation to achieve positive outcomes. With a background in technology, finance, and business education, successful problem-solving was always his primary objective.

Despite being diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, Robert faced the challenge with courage and determination, undergoing investigational and newly approved treatments successfully on four separate occasions over 26 years. His resilience knew no bounds.

During his battle with cancer, Robert discovered a passion for oil painting, donating his artwork to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for gala fundraisers. His paintings have been sold to collectors across the United States and even in Europe, showcasing his talent and creativity.

In addition to painting, Robert harbored a desire to pursue a career in metal sculpting, drawing on his metallurgical engineering background from MIT. Although this aspiration was cut short, his innovative spirit never wavered.

An avid and competitive athlete, Robert continued to play full-court basketball until the age of sixty, transitioning back to his tennis career thereafter. He also devoted his time to coaching his sons in various sports, embodying the role of a committed and attentive father.

For those who wish to learn more about Robert's life and legacy in his own words, a visit to https://genealogycenter.info/LifeStories/lawyerlegacy/ is recommended.

Predeceased by his parents and grandparents, Robert is survived by his wife, Maggie Shaffer-Waid Vegeler of Fort Wayne; three sons, Sean Robert Vegeler (Michele Pulling, M.D.) of Mercer Island, Washington, Reid Christopher (Mary Fales) Vegeler, M.D. of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Troy Patrick (Jazzmin) Vegeler of Bloomington, Indiana; sister, Becky Vegeler Nutt of Gig Harbor, Washington; and eight grandchildren spread across Washington and Indiana. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Robert Vegeler's life was marked by his creativity, competitive spirit, athleticism, and innovative approach to everything he pursued. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his family and career.