Robert Preston Wemple

Robert Preston Wemple was born in Warsaw, Indiana in 1941. He met the love of his life, Nancy (Wise) in high school, and they were married in December 1960. Bob attended DeVry Tech Institute and earned his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering and moved to Albuquerque after graduating. He began his career at Sandia National Labs in 1961. Bob and Nancy welcomed their son Jeff into their lives in October 1963. Always active in church and in the lives of his family, Bob went on to enjoy a 35-year career at Sandia. He was a contributor to the Apollo 10, 12 & 13 Programs, and some of his work is still on the moon today! He worked his way up from technical writer to retire as a senior staff member. Bob, like his father before him, had great carpentry and building skills. As their family grew, he and Nancy built a beautiful addition to their home. They then bought land and built their mountain cabin in Northern New Mexico where they hosted many family getaways and barbecues well into their senior years. Bob loved fishing with his son, grandson, and friends. And if that wasn’t enough building, Bob willingly offered his talents and ability to help his son and son’s family build their home in the East Mountains. In his “free" time, Bob was active in Search and Rescue for many years, taught CPR classes, and participated in the Citizens Police Academy with APD. Bob was active in his church throughout his whole life and was instrumental in his outreach and ministry with Storehouse New Mexico through the program with his home church of Ridgecrest Christian Church. He retired in 1996 and kept very busy in his retirement. He had a love of antiques, and opened up a side business, enjoying the pursuit of finding, fixing up, and selling unique items and collectables under his small business name, Dutch Workshop. Bob also kept busy meeting weekly with his retired friends from work and church. He recalled that they would discuss “OFT” (Old Fart Technology) and decide how to fix all the problems of the world. This group of old-school smart men brought him much joy and satisfaction over the years. But undeniably, Bob’s favorite activity was keeping up and spending time with his grandchildren Nate and Madison. He attended all baseball and soccer games, all achievement ceremonies, and graduations… just to name a few. He would not have missed his grandchildren activities and events for the WORLD. Nate and Madison brought him true joy, and he was very proud of them. He served as a great role model to them in the years after their father passed away. Grandpa Pops, Bob, Mr. Wemple - he will be missed by MANY, but all those who know him know that he is with Jesus and at peace. He was a proud, humble, and brave man who aimed, and succeeded to make the world a better place. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Louise Wemple, his grandson Nathan Robert Wemple, his granddaughter Madison Adaire Wemple, and his daughter-in-law Vicki Elizabeth Wilmarth. He is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Allen Wemple.