Robert Bruce Weitze

Robert Bruce Weitze

December 3, 1932 – December 17, 2025

Robert "Bob" Bruce Weitze passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 93. He was the beloved son of Georgina and Henry Weitze, whose love and resilience shaped the foundation of his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Robert Weitze; his grandson, Matthew Seth Mares; and his siblings, Shirley (Weitze) Amos, Keith Weitze, Ruth (Weitze) Adams, Wayne Weitze, and Betty (Weitze) Cook.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Louise R. Weitze; his children, William W. (Cathy) Weitze and Marty (Weitze) (Steven) von Kampen; his grandchildren, Shelby (Mares) (Tyler) Bayer, Valarie (Weitze) (Lucas) Voorhees, and Wyatt Weitze; his great grandchildren, Ruby Bayer, Dean Bayer, and Bennett Voorhees; and many nieces and nephews who cherished him.

Bob's life was shaped early by hard work and family. He spent his youth helping at the White C Hatchery in Corning, California, where he developed a strong work ethic and gathered countless funny and memorable stories about raising turkeys-stories he loved to share throughout his life. Music was another early passion; he played the tuba in the Red Bluff High School band and later with the Tehama County Band, forming friendships and memories that stayed with him for decades.

Bob and Louise met while riding the bus to Shasta College, were married March 21, 1959 and soon began their life together in Susanville, California. They had their first child, William, September 1962. Son, John was born in July 1964 but lived only a few months, passing in May 1965. In January 1968, welcomed daughter Marty to the family. They soon moved to Quincy, California, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community. Bob was a committed public servant, volunteering as a firefighter with the Quincy Fire Department and serving with Plumas County Search and Rescue.

In 1981, the family moved to Oroville, California, where Bob continued his dedication to service as a volunteer with the Oroville Fire Department. His steady presence, reliability, and willingness to help made a lasting impact wherever he lived.

Bob went on to build a long and dedicated career as a mechanic for the U.S. Forest Service, a role he took great pride in until his retirement in 1988. Even after retiring, he continued to lend his skills to the community, taking on odd jobs for local orchards and returning to support the Forest Service during major fires by inspecting trucks and equipment entering and leaving fire camps. Bob was also a dedicated blood donor meeting lifetime goals with the American Red Cross.

Outside of work and service, Bob found joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing and camping, spending many peaceful days on his houseboat on Lake Oroville and where his grandkids caught their first fish. Bob had a love of local history and was very active in the Oroville Historical Society spending countless hours researching and traveling to many local points of interest. He and Louise traveled widely in their camper across the western United States, exploring as far as Arizona and creating cherished memories along the way. One of his most treasured adventures was a special trip to Yellowstone with his grandson Seth.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the love he shared so generously with his family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 45 Acacia Ave., Oroville, CA 95965, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home 530-533-0323