Robert Conrad Petzold Sr.

Robert C. Petzold, 90, a resident of Torreon, passed away peacefully November 18, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Vivian H. Petzold, parents Maximillian and Elizabeth Petzold, and aunt and uncle Margaret and Wolfgang Feld. He is survived by children Elizabeth Lujan and husband Johnny; Robert Petzold Jr. and wife Lupe, and Julie Murray and husband Sean; grandchildren MaryAnne Chavez and husband Paul, Holly Henderson and husband Shawn, Stephanie Lujan and husband Michael Crabb, Amanda Lujan, Christina and husband Miguel Gering, April Petzold , Jeremy Lujan, Jerika Smythe and husband Aaron; great grandchildren Mercedes, Elijha, Jonathan, Aryal, Nicholas, James Jr., Celina, Michael, Paislee, and Ashlyn. Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, and as a child travelled the country with his parents, his father was a traveling salesman for Sears and Roebuck. His happiest days were spent in Sharon, Wisconsin. As a teen, Bob was enrolled in Georgia Military Academy. Bob’s stories of his antics while attending, delighted and humored his grandchildren throughout their lives. Upon graduation, Bob entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a clerk for an officer in Guam. With a mobile typewriter in hand, he was always ready to take notes or write out an order, and use his quick mind and smarts to make him indispensable to his superiors. Fortune smiled on him when he was stationed in Albuquerque, where he met the love of his life, Vivian Herrera. After the military, Bob moved to Naperville, Illinois to care for his aging parents and commuted by rail to Chicago every day. In 1973, Bob and Vivian moved to Torreon, NM, Vivian’s hometown, with their two older children, Elizabeth and Robert, Jr.. Bob worked as a computer programmer at UNM for 25 years, again commuting every night to Albuquerque. During this time, they welcomed their youngest child, Julie. Upon retirement, Bob and Viv travelled the country in an RV, revisiting memories from his youth, including his beloved Chicago and Sharon. As an only child, Bob had little family, but became close with his wife’s many siblings and regarded them as his own. Bob and Viv, lived a quiet life at their home in Torreon, gardening. traveling, and enjoying their children and great grandchildren. In his last years, after Viv died, Bob remained independent; keeping his mind sharp with puzzles, news from the stock market, and the occasional argument with family; always with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk, he kept the family on their toes. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends.