Robert Henry Wilhelmsen

Robert Henry “Bob” Leopold Wilhelmsen, the husband of Ellen “Jan” (Manley) Wilhelmsen, was called to his Heavenly home August 8, 2025.

Bob, a Brenham native, was born to Robert Wilhelm Wilhelmsen and Iona Priesmeyer on October 2, 1937 in Brenham, Texas. He was baptized Dec. 5, 1937 in Salem Lutheran Church by Pastor William Utesch and confirmed in the same church April 6, 1952 by Pastor W.C. Poehlmann. Bob reaffirmed his faith at Salem in April of 1999. He remained a life long member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was the cemetery superintendent for almost 20 years.

Bob attended Salem Public School and graduated from Brenham High School in 1956. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for 24 years as an Aviation Machinist Mate on several aircraft carriers including the USS Ranger, USS Enterprise, USS Kitty Hawk, and the USS Kearsarge. During his time in the Navy, he married Ellen “Jan” Manley. After his military retirement, he worked for VSE Corp for 14 years until retirement, at which time he and Jan moved back to Brenham in November of 1994 to live on the family homestead.

Even though he was retired, Bob kept busy with his cemetery superintendent duties, enjoyed beekeeping and sharing honey with friends and family, working on cars, gardening, and cherishing his morning coffee with his friends at Max Donuts.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ellen “Jan” Wilhelmsen. Though they had no biological children, he considered Pat and Melissa Draehn and their children: Kourtney Neumann and Lee, and Mitchell Draehn and Haley; and Debbie and Bob Powell and their children: Steffany Grayson and Ryan, and Courtney Ginn and Karter, his family in his heart. He was lovingly called “Pa” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kaytee, Mikey, Heidi, Eloise, Karly, Kysan, and James.

The funeral service for Bob will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 10:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church of Salem with Pastor Bob Leggett and Dr. Craig Dohse officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. A visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 13 at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Serving as pallbearers are: Patrick Draehn, Mitchell Draehn, Lee Neumann, Bob Powell, Ryan Grayson, and Karter Ginn. Honorary pallbearers are Lynn Pieper and his coffee shop group.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salem Cemetery Fund.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Amedisys Hospice Group for all of their help and assistance.