Rev. Robert Louis Sawall

Rev. Robert Louis Sawall

August 20, 1928 – July7, 2024

 

Robert Louis Sawall died at the age of 95 on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Robert was born to Louis Sawall and Hattie Borchard in Greenville, Wisconsin on August 20, 1928. He was adopted into God’s family through Holy Baptism soon after birth and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New London, Wisconsin. After graduating from 

Washington High School in New London, Wisconsin, Robert was employed by his father, Louis Sawall at the Borden Company. During these years he got his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying small aircraft. Robert enlisted in the Army Ready Reserve on January 6, 1949. Robert trained in the 101st Airborne Oregon and was then transferred to the 82 Infantry Division in Wautoma, Wisconsin where is served as a scout. Robert received an honorable discharge as a Corporal from the U.S. Army January 27, 1955. 

Robert was united in marriage to Charlene Ann Traeger on December 28, 1950. This union was blessed with six children. 

 Sandra (James), Sehloff, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

 Robert L. (Sue), Sawall, New Berlin, Wisconsin

 Thomas (Penny) Sawall , Cleveland, Wisconsin

 Rebecca (Rev. Roger) Plath, New Berlin, Wisconsin

 Paul (Christina) Sawall, Hurst, Texas

 Ramona (Scott) Jindra, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 

 

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Charlene; a daughter, Naomi Charlene; parents, Louis and Hattie Sawall, sisters, Ruth (John) Restle and Faye (Jerry) Ebert; and a brother Leon Sawall. Robert is survived by ___ grandchildren and ___ great-great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Jerry Ebert; and sister-in-law Carol Sawall.

 

Robert studied Mechanical Engineering at the Wisconsin University in Madison, Wisconsin. Robert then enrolled theological studies at the Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. Robert completed his theological studies his senior year and graduated from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin in 1959. Robert served his Vicar year at Trinity Lutheran on Bangor, Michigan. Robert was ordained into the ministry to serve the Lord at Lincoln, Michigan on June 1, 1959. On March 1, 1961 he was commissioned by Rev. Ernest Wendland to as a missionary in Zambia, Africa. He served Africa for six years and on June 1, 1967 the Lord called him to Bethany Lutheran in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He served numerous congregations as their pastor in Wisconsin and Texas. Shepherd of the Plains, Lubbock, Texas; Prince of Peace, Flower Mound, Texas; Our Redeemer, San Angelo, Texas; Campus Pastor at University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Vacancy pastor St. Paul Lutheran at Clintonville, Wisconsin; which turned into a permanent call; Our Savior, San Antonio, Texas; and St. Marks, Duncanville, Texas. Robert served as a missionary in Jakarta, Indonesia from 1982 to 1989. 

Robert retired for the first time in 1993. He and his wife, Charlene opened a Bed and Breakfast named Night Song in their home in Gresham before Robert accepted a Call to San Angelo.

Robert wrote a book, ON the Edge of Eternity – Who is Guiding Your Steps? This book was published by Amazon.

Robert was united in marriage to Margaret Delores Kupke on May 25, 2014. The blessed them with 10 years together.