Robert Henry Waelbroeck

Robert Henry Waelbroeck, 82, of Terre Haute, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care, surrounded by family. He was born on January 12, 1944, in Mishawaka, to Henry Joseph and Theresa Szabo Waelbroeck.

Robert is survived by his wife, Bonita Waelbroeck of Terre Haute; sons, Alan Waelbroeck (Nikki Caudill) and Neil Waelbroeck (Jennifer); dear friend, Cheryl Waelbroeck; grandchildren, Travis Waelbroeck (Hannah), Sage Waelbroeck, Camille Haynes (Eric), Korissa Nugent (Lewis), Chase Waelbroeck, Lilliana Waelbroeck, Cole Waelbroeck, Nina Waelbroeck, Evan Mullenix, and Emmalyn Mullenix; and great grandchildren, Noah, Connor, Lucy, Remi, and Maisie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Robert Henry Waelbroeck II, and a stepdaughter, Holly Mullenix.

Bob graduated from Bradley University in 1966. He restored cars with his father to help pay for his college education. He worked as a chemist and in Research and Development for Uniroyal where he helped develop self-sealing fuel lines for aircraft for the US Government during the Vietnam War. Bob retired from Sony as the Director of Quality Assurance. He was Past President of the Noon Optimist Club and Past President of the Catholic Charities board. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

Bob was an avid reader and had an extensive collection of National Geographic magazines. When his children were in school, he volunteered as a track coach. Blessed with great height, he enjoyed family volleyball games. Bob enjoyed working in his yard, landscaping, and tending to his roses. He looked forward to outings with friends, going to the symphony, and family dinners. Bob had a passion for travelling and enjoyed visiting the many foreign exchange students that he opened his home to throughout the years. Most of all, Bob cherished his family and sharing his stories with them.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon, on Friday, at the church.

Please share your favorite stories of how Bob touched your life, so that we can share them with all of his family members. Make a video, send a text, write a message and send it to us by email or phone: BestofBobW@gmail.com or 812-249-0616. Thanks!