Robert J. Lautt

1937 - 2022

Robert John Lautt, 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away suddenly on September 15, 2022. We are heartbroken, but have peace and confidence that he is in the presence of God, whom he walked with closely throughout his life. His relationship with Jesus was evident in how he lived, and we look forward to the future together with all who have a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Robert was born on February 21, 1937 in Harvey, ND to John and Martha (Springer) Lautt. Robert joined an older sister, and later three more siblings were born to make the family complete. They lived on a 500-acre farm near Harvey where they grew wheat, oats, barley, flax, and corn, milked cows, and raised sheep, hogs, and chickens. He loved shadowing his dad as they worked with the animals and harvested crops.
After graduating from Harvey High School in 1954, he went to Tabor College (a Mennonite Brethren school) in Hillsboro, KS, where he graduated with a Social Science degree. At Tabor, he met Marlene Bartel, from Cordell, OK and they were married on March 20, 1959 in Corn, OK. After a year they moved to Fresno, where both daughters were born.
Robert became a successful Fuller Brush salesman and won awards for his very creative door-to-door display cases. He began working as a salesman for McMahan's Furniture in 1963 where he was called "Rapid" by his fellow salesmen for his fast-paced walking. He enjoyed selling furniture and took great pride in guiding customers to buy quality pieces that would last for years to come. The family moved to Lodi in 1973 when he was promoted to manager of the Lodi McMahan's store. When McMahan's was sold to Heilig Myers in 1993, he continued as manager. "Mr. Lautt," as his employees called him, was much more than a manager to the many he mentored, taking on a "second dad" role for some. After the corporate closing of Heilig Myers in 2000, Robert worked another ten years in furniture sales at Sak's TV and Home Furnishings and Yourspace Home Furnishings, continuing his quality care for customers. In his retirement he focused on health, becoming a Young Living Essential Oils distributor.
During their almost 50 years in Lodi, Robert & Marlene were committed and active members at Vinewood Community Church (Mennonite Brethren). They led and hosted small groups, and Robert served as a Sunday School teacher, an Elder, and on the Christian Education Board. He is remembered for his exceptional quality of leadership.
Robert was delighted with the title of "Papa" as he welcomed four grandchildren into the family, who loved their times playing horsey with Papa, listening to his creative stories, and receiving "treasures". His retirement in 2011 gave him more time with family, which he cherished.
God's grace and a commitment to healthy living helped Robert live 14 years after a serious heart attack and 9-bypass surgery. Diagnoses of congestive heart failure and cardiac amyloidosis, along with spinal stenosis, slowed down his walking pace, but not his humor.
Robert's beloved wife, Marlene, passed away in March 2021. The loving care of dedicated caregivers allowed him to stay at home, but as health issues progressed, he decided to return to Fresno to an assisted living community near his daughter and family. After a short five weeks that included a hospital and skilled nursing/rehabilitation stay, he passed away due to a heart complication.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife Marlene, parents John & Martha Lautt, three brothers-in-law, and one niece. He is survived by daughters Rhonda Dueck (Kevin Dueck) of Fresno, and Candace Lautt (Philip Stoltzfus) of Northfield, MN; grandchildren Justin (Jenny Bair), David (Emily Colvard), Adam, and Grace Dueck; siblings Norma Faul of Harvey, ND, Jane Dick of Denver, CO, Jan Siemens of Goshen, IN, and Roger Lautt of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 3 at 5pm at Vinewood Community Church, 1900 W. Vine St., Lodi. A light meal and sharing time will follow. The service will be livestreamed: facebook.com/vinewoodchurch/
Remembrance contributions can be given to Mennonite Central Committee: "Relief, development & peace in the name of Christ" (mcc.org).