Robert Benedict Welter

Robert (Bob) Benedict Welter passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 78. Bob was born on January 24, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, to John and Zita (Studer) Welter.

Bob's greatest adventure began in eighth grade, when he met his future wife, Roberta, at Diamond's Cafeteria in downtown Dubuque. Upon seeing her, Bob turned to his friends and declared, "That's the woman I'm going to marry." His prediction proved true on August 1, 1970, when Bob and Roberta were married at St. Columbkille's Catholic Church in Dubuque. Together, they built a life filled with family, faith, and countless cherished memories.

Bob earned his degree in business from Loras College in Dubuque. After graduation, he began his professional career in Chicago in 1973. Over the years, his career and growing family took him from Chicago to Des Moines, Iowa, and later to Orland Park, Illinois. In 1985, Bob and his family made Tulsa, Oklahoma, their home.

Throughout his career, Bob worked with Jones and Laughlin, Edgecomb Metals, National Steel, and eventually Kloeckner Metals, where he remained until his retirement in 2012. He took great pride in his work, but just as important to him were the relationships he built along the way. Bob valued the friendships, trust, and connections he formed with colleagues and customers throughout his career, many of which remained meaningful long after his working years had ended.

After moving to Tulsa in 1985, Bob and Roberta became faithful parishioners of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church. His faith remained an important part of his life and a source of strength throughout the many seasons he and his family experienced together.

Bob had a deep sense of adventure and a lifelong desire to see the world. He and Roberta traveled extensively, visiting more than 75 countries together. Of all the places their travels took them, Africa held a particularly special place in Bob's heart. A lifelong outdoorsman, he especially loved going on safari and seeing Africa's extraordinary wildlife up close.

Closer to home, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. But more than any trip or pastime, he cherished time with his family. He was especially proud of his 16 grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as "Papa Bob." Being their grandfather brought him tremendous joy, and the time they shared created memories his family will carry with them for years to come.

More than 18 years ago, Bob was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. Ten years later, he underwent a double kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. Through years of treatment and medical challenges, Bob continued to live life fully, embracing travel, family, and time with the people he loved most.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta Welter; his children, Ryan Welter and his wife, Deana, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts; Stephanie Martindale and Ty of Edmond, Oklahoma; Jeremy Welter and his wife, Kim, of Lewisville, Texas; and Justin Welter and his wife, Lauren, of Falls Church, Virginia; 16 beloved grandchildren; his brothers, Bill Welter and his wife, Dorothy, of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Mark Welter and his wife, Sara, of Denver, Colorado; and his sister, Kathy Holtz and her husband, Steve, of Montgomery City, Missouri; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Zita Welter, and his brothers, Dan and Jeff Welter.

Bob lived a full life defined by devotion to his family, enduring faith, a strong work ethic, and an adventurous spirit. From the young couple who fell in love at first sight to the decades they spent traveling the world together, Bob and Roberta built a life rich in experiences, faith, family, and love. His family will remember him simply and lovingly as husband, Dad, and "Papa Bob."

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers, 1329 East 151st Street, Glenpool, Oklahoma 74033.

Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories, and condolences for the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.