Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert E. Wacker

1949 - 2024

Robert E. Wacker obituary, 1949-2024, Los Osos, CA

BORN

1949

DIED

2024

Robert Wacker Obituary

Robert E Wacker

March 5, 1949 - February 12, 2024

Los Osos, California - Bob Wacker passed away peacefully at home in Los Osos on Feb. 12, 2024, just three weeks shy of his 75th birthday. As friends and acquaintances know, he modeled friendship, fatherhood, familyhood and mentorship. He was a pillar of the San Luis Obispo community and an outstanding human being.

Bob was born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where his father worked as a chemist on the Manhattan Project. When Bob was 11, his father died and his valiant mother Alma moved Bob and his older sister Pam to Tempe, AZ. At the age of 14, he won the Optimist International speech contest in Toronto and was honored with the key to the City of Tempe on Sept. 5, 1963, forever after celebrated as Bob Wacker Day. He delivered his winning speech to 22 Optimist Clubs, with his mother driving him and his sister across the country in the family's camper. He graduated from Tempe High School in the class of 1966 ("We have fun, we have kicks, we're the Class of '66").

Bob graduated from Arizona State University in 1971 with a political science degree, and was a proud brother in the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity. He worked in the hospitality industry for 12 years, which took him to Dallas, Newport Beach, Marin County and Monterey. His life bloomed when his daughter Stefanie was born in 1983, and Bob began his financial planning studies. He met Debbie Grubbs in Monterey when Stefanie was 3 years old, and the three of them married in 1987. Son Randy was welcomed in 1989, adding another blessing to the family. Bob and Debbie were together almost 37 years, in an extraordinary partnership.

The family moved to San Luis Obispo in 1987 where Bob worked as a Certified Financial Planner. Many knew him as "the money man." He founded his fee-only financial planning firm, which, with the assistance of an incredible team over the years, became Wacker Wealth Partners.

Others knew him as "the funny man." Endowed with a legendary sense of humor, he was ubiquitous as a master of ceremonies and could lighten anyone's day.

To his family, he was just "the man." He coached his kids' early sports teams, and was an ever-present (sometimes vocal) spectator watching their school teams. He loved his role as official announcer at their football and basketball games.

He knew how to have fun and he made each day count.

He was passionate about golf and baseball. Golf lured him to Monterey, and over the years he was able to play some of the world's most beautiful courses. Many know of Bob and Randy's escapades to all the Major League Baseball stadiums. We will forever root for his beloved Giants and 49ers, and know that Bob continues to watch over his golf buddies' antics.

Bob was a tireless volunteer in the community, serving many organizations: Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Foundation, Cuesta Foundation, SLO Chamber of Commerce, Trinity United Methodist Church and SLO Hospice, to name a few.

In accepting the 2024 Lou Tedone Humanitarian Award from the French Hospital Foundation, Bob said, "We are a group of incredibly blessed people. As such, I used to think it was a duty to give back to others who could use our help, but you know I changed my mind. My life has been incredibly lucky, for many different reasons and in many different ways. Like everyone, I've experienced disappointments, but, on balance, it's unbelievable how blessed I've been. I recognize that it's a gift and a privilege - not a duty - to have been put in a position where we can make a positive impact on people who need help - with physical and mental health issues, with basic human subsistence, with education, with housing - the list is endless … and so are the opportunities. I appreciate this recognition, but mainly I appreciate the gift of being able to help."

Bob was full of grace. He lived with integrity, compassion and abundant generosity. He made the world a better place.

Bob was predeceased by his father Robert Wacker Sr., his beloved mother and stepfather Alma and Al Leffler, and his sister Pam Koshut.

He is survived by his wife Debbie; his daughter Stefanie; his son Randy and daughter-in-law Kristine, his beautiful grandchildren Avery and Austin; and loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mel and Art Johnson of Valencia, CA, Lisa and Bob Kalmbach of Piedmont, CA , brother in-law David Grubbs of Tehachapi, CA, brother-in-law Harry Beachler (Deanne) of Tempe, AZ, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all of whom he adored. They have made the Uncle Bob hand jive a family tradition.

The family is thankful for the compassionate health care Bob received over the years, especially from Dr. Gayle Cekada. Donations may be made to the following charities (or the charity of your choice): French Hospital (The Wacker Technology and Innovation Fund), 1911 Johnson Ave., SLO, CA 93401, Rotary Club of SLO Charities, P.O. Box 833, SLO, CA 93406, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 490 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, CA 93402.

A Celebration of Life will be held at La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, SLO, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune from Mar. 8 to Mar. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wacker

Not sure what to say?





Jane Nichols

June 16, 2024

I went to the SLO Rep theater last night to see a play. Today as I was reading the program I noticed In "Memory of Bob Wacker" under Special Rememberances. I was shocked and sad to read of Bob's passing. I was a client of Bob's in the 1990s. He was always so kind. I appreciated all he did for the SLO community. Even when he kissed a pig before a cheering crowd in Mission Plaza!! My condolences to his family. Bob was a good man.

Michael La Rocco

May 17, 2024

Thanks for your guidance. Mike and Diane La Rocco

Holly Suzanne (Staton)Pierce

April 25, 2024

I adored my cousin Bob. I enjoyed getting his family update newsletter mailings when I was a kid. I read every one with my Mom. I smile remembering every second he made my Mom his Cousin (Becky Staton) Rebecca Lee Depew, laugh. I cherish all the memories and joy he adorned our lives with at every event he came to Ohio to attend. I know Bob,Mom and Pam are laughing together again. My deepest condolences to Debbie,Stef,Randy. What an amazing man we were all blessed to call family.

Mike Middleton

April 24, 2024

As roommates at the FIJI House in `68, made some great memories! Blessed to have seen Bob again in `22!

Single Memorial Tree

Kimberlee Morse

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Renaldia, Sal and Alex Cozza

Planted Trees

Tim Bennett

March 22, 2024

From all of my time in the media business, none had the impact of when I found myself as a lowly station manager, at an ABC-TV annual gathering being seated next to its biggest investor:

Warren Buffet.

And once I caught my breath, and gather enough courage, I asked him a question:

I said, "when you hire someone to run one of your businesses, what qualities do you look for in a CEO?"

He said, I look for three things: Brains, Energy and Integrity. And if you only get the first two, and miss the latter one, you've just hired yourself a big problem."

Well Bob, in my opinion, you've got the trifecta. And all of us have benefited from you sterling qualities and stellar success...and your wonderful and warm sense of humor.

You will be missed!

Roxanne M Carr

March 22, 2024

You will be missed, dear friend, and you will always be in my heart. I cherish the times we were able to share and know you are now in Heaven enlivening all the other good people around you. XXOO

Gail Comer and George Mennel

March 14, 2024

I just heard of the passing of Robert Wacker. My son was in Baseball with Randy. I have many fond memories of Debbie and Robert from those many games. We loved the idea of visiting all the baseball stadiums and have tried to do the same, though we didn't get to all. It was an inspiration that was something that our grandson might accomplish. We have nothing but fond memories of the time we crossed paths in this life. Our prayers for all the family that Roberts memory will give you support, strength and joy for your future. God bless.

Cheri

March 12, 2024

My condolences to Bob´s wife and family, as well to his RE Wacker Family as well, I was blessed to work for Bob for three years and his guidance, advise, and wisdom in those years impacted me. Blessed to have known such a wonderful and kind person. He only saw the best in people and gave the best of himself. Rest in Peace Bob, and may the many wonderful memories comfort the family is this time of grief.

Lissa Beck

March 11, 2024

I feel so incredibly blessed to be considered a friend of Bob and Debbie! From the moment I met them they welcomed me warmly as if we had always known each other! Bob, you will forever be missed but always loved!!

Stephanie

March 11, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Gilbert Stones

March 10, 2024

Debbie, we were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have been praying for peace for you and that you will feel the grace of God and the love of all of us surrounding you.

wendy and John Carsel

March 9, 2024

You are in our thoughts with sadness for your loss and hopes that your happy memories will help ease the pain
, Debbie

Jane Broshears

March 9, 2024

I am so grateful to have had Bob in my life as a friend and a mentor. He will hold a place in my heart forever.

Linda Burris

March 9, 2024

So very sorry for your loss of your husband Debbie. I know you from French Hospital and from Trinity Methodist Church and always loved your smile and greeting of hello and I knew you were a happy woman with a good husband and family as I saw you at church a few years ago. When my husband was in French you were always asking how I was and how he was doing as your presence at the hospital is wonderful. I'm sure your husband will be missed and glad you had a wonderful life with him by your side. Bless you and may you have your fond memories to help you know he is by your side in spirit and may he RIP always with the Lord. Linda Burris Los Osos

Catherine Smith

March 9, 2024

I have known Bob for a little over 5 years. He was a proud grandfather to Avery and Austin. He made an effort to attend as many of their activities as he could. I was able to give Bob a hug the last time I saw him and am very grateful for that. RIP Bob! Hugs to Debbie, Stef, Randy and the rest of the family!

Daniel B. Neff

March 9, 2024

I knew Bob as from ASU as a friend and working at a few restaurants in Scottsdale. Met with Bob over the years in Dallas, Newport Beach and Tampa for lunch with his son while on their way to a baseball game. Bob was one of the best and will be sorely missed. RIP my friend.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Wacker's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Robert Wacker

Apr

24

Celebration of Life

1:30 p.m.

La Lomita Ranch

1985 La Lomita Way, SLO, CA

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Wacker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more