Robert Federwitz (Bob) died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at the age of 81. He passed away with his wife Ellie at his side and surrounded by the love of his family. Bob was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on November 9,1944 to Edmund and Marcella (Schroeder) Federwitz.

Over the years, Bob built a life centered on family, faith, and work in service to the ministry of Lutheran Education, educating children, adults and families in Lutheran Schools and Preschools of the ELCA. (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America)

Bob was known for his competent teaching and leadership abilities and found joy in helping others succeed to the best of their abilities. Former teachers and students remember his inspiration to encourage the best from themselves and grow in their faithfulness to God and accept the forgiveness of sins from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Bob graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, WI, earned a BA in Education from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia Chicago University) and earned a MA in Education from Trenton State College. Bob worked in Lutheran Schools as a teacher, vice Principal, and a Principal in Philadelphia PA and Los Angeles CA , Regional Director of Lutheran schools and preschools on the East Coast and West Coast and National Director of Lutheran Schools in the ELCA Headquarters in Chicago IL.

Bob married his college sweetheart, Eleanor (Ellie) Stumpf on June 26, 1966 and together they raised their 3 kids in Philadelphia, PA. Bob and Ellie served as partners in Lutheran church schools throughout their careers and Bob was especially active in the greater church in every community they lived. Bob had special interest in technology and had very good computer skills. He helped the churches they served to use technology to enhance the worship experience.

Over the years Bob built his life centered on his and Ellie’s family and extended family that took them on travels and reunions from Wisconsin, Illinois, Detroit, Ontario, Austrailia and many places in-between. He made sure our family got to know their relatives by taking family trips to visit them every year. He was the driver and Ellie was the program and games director for the many hours in the car. His grandchildren remember continuing the tradition of traveling to the many places that Grammy and Grampy lived. He will be remembered for his laugh and friendliness, love of family and playing cards and games on vacations with the relatives. He so enjoyed every minute he spent with his grandkids. We all loved him and still will as we remember his impact on our lives.

Bob’s legacy of family and Lutheran Education will continue in the lives of all who loved him. He leaves behind his beloved wife Eleanor “Ellie” (Stumpf) Federwitz, children Lori Feiler (Don), Kristin Thatcher (David) and Tim Federwitz (Danielle). His 11 grandchildren Joshua and Aaron Feiler, Alexa and Zachary Knight, Matthew and Christopher Thatcher, Jonathan, Dora, Nicholas, Nathan and Olivia Federwitz. Great grandson Benjamin Federwitz.

He is also survived by his sisters Marlene Herzog, Karen Floyd (James) and Barbara Schallock (Gary), Sister-in-laws Erla Koch (Gene), Linda Jacober, and Florence Peitsch (Tom), surviving in-laws Alvina Federwitz and Gary Liedke and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale Federwitz and sister Bernice Liedke.

A special thank you to the kindness and expert care received by the team of Caring Hospice Services of South Jersey. We could not have done this without you. https://caringhospice.com/

Please join us for a celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Bob and Ellie’s church, Redeemer Lutheran Church of Vineland, 2348 E Landis Ave, Vineland, NJ 08361. Visitation at 10AM, Memorial Service at 11AM. A light meal and continued gathering will be shared in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. For those who are unable to attend in-person, a livestream of the service will be available at https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerLutheranVineland/reels/

Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors or whatever they like. Memorial Gifts can be designated to Bob and Ellie's Godson Paul and Ali Federwitz, Missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators; Box 789; Concordia, MO 64020. https://lbt.org/missionary/paul-and-ali-federwitz/

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences and tributes to the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.