Robert "Bob" R. Lierz

Robert “Bob” R. Lierz, age 82, of Topeka, KS, passed away in the early morning on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

He was born the son of Lawrence Wenzel and Melinda Bernadine (Hasenkamp) Lierz on April 18, 1942, in Wetmore, KS. Bob attended grade school at St. James Parochial School and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1960. Bob then served his country with pride in the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged, he continued his education and received his bachelor’s degree from Peru State Teachers College in Peru, NE, in 1967. 

On September 19, 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerri” A. Wietharn in Baileyville, KS. Together, they shared almost 60 years of marriage. 

Bob was a very talented country musician, and he traveled on the road aspiring to become a big country artist. Later, he settled to do local gigs around the area for many years. Never one to sit idle, Bob was quite meticulous about his lawn, manicuring it to the best of his abilities, which included much time developing a beautiful landscape. He was very much into carpentry and wood working, having added several decks on his homes and he had a workshop in his home, where he built custom bird houses and hanging planters as a side hobby and business. 

His longtime profession as an elementary school teacher brought him great joy. Bob was very loyal to his students during the years he taught in Topeka. He was active in various teacher organizations that included NEA, NEA-T, and KNEA. While working as a teacher, Bob helped supplement his income during his down time and ran a successful side business as a chemical sales rep in the area. This allowed him to create meaningful relationships with various business owners. 

His hobbies included playing music, traveling, gardening, crossword puzzles, golfing, playing cards and playing dominos with his family. Bob loved to tell a great story and his kind social personality resonated with the people he would share with. He enjoyed cheering for his beloved KU Jayhawks and would enjoy watching the basketball and football games. Bob was the happiest when he was spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons, Connor and Collin. 

Survivors include his cherished wife, Geraldine “Gerri” A. Lierz; daughter, Kenna Lierz and her significant other, Andrew Ingolia; two grandsons, Connor and Collin Freking; and three sisters, Norma Jean Hirt, Shirley Hutfles (Orville), and Alberta Tanking (Larry).

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geraldine Edwards and Wilma Ross; as well as brothers, Leonard, Leroy, Walter, and Lawrence Lierz.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10-11:00 A.M., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow with Military Honors at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Bob's memory to American Heart Association. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.