Robert Bruce Weitze

December 3, 1932 – December 17, 2025

Robert “Bob” Bruce Weitze passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 93. He was the beloved son of

Georgina and Henry Weitze, whose love and resilience shaped the foundation of his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Robert Weitze; his grandson, Matthew Seth Mares; and his

siblings, Shirley (Weitze) Amos, Keith Weitze, Ruth (Weitze) Adams, Wayne Weitze, and Betty (Weitze) Cook.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Louise R. Weitze; his children, William W. (Cathy) Weitze and Marty

(Weitze) (Steven) von Kampen; his grandchildren, Shelby (Mares) (Tyler) Bayer, Valarie (Weitze) (Lucas) Voorhees, and

Wyatt Weitze; his great‑grandchildren, Ruby Bayer, Dean Bayer, and Bennett Voorhees; and many nieces and nephews

who cherished him.

Bob’s life was shaped early by hard work and family. He spent his youth helping at the White C Hatchery in Corning,

California, where he developed a strong work ethic and gathered countless funny and memorable stories about raising

turkeys—stories he loved to share throughout his life. Music was another early passion; he played the tuba in the Red

Bluff High School band and later with the Tehama County Band, forming friendships and memories that stayed with him

for decades.

Bob proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed on the USS

Menifee where he achieved the rank of Fireman. His time in the Navy was a defining chapter in his life, and he carried

the values of service and dedication with him long after his years at sea.

Bob and Louise met while riding the bus to Shasta College, were married March 21, 1959 and soon began their life

together in Susanville, California. They had their first child, William, September 1962. Son, John was born in July 1964

but lived only a few months, passing in May 1965. In January 1968, welcomed daughter Marty to the family. They soon

moved to Quincy, California, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community. Bob was a

committed public servant, volunteering as a firefighter with the Quincy Fire Department and serving with Plumas County

Search and Rescue.

In 1981, the family moved to Oroville, California, where Bob continued his dedication to service as a volunteer with the

Oroville Fire Department. His steady presence, reliability, and willingness to help made a lasting impact wherever he

lived.

Bob went on to build a long and dedicated career as a mechanic for the U.S. Forest Service, a role he took great pride in

until his retirement in 1988. Even after retiring, he continued to lend his skills to the community, taking on odd jobs for

local orchards and returning to support the Forest Service during major fires by inspecting trucks and equipment

entering and leaving fire camps. Bob was also a dedicated blood donor meeting lifetime goals with the American Red

Cross.

Outside of work and service, Bob found joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing and camping, spending many peaceful days

on his houseboat on Lake Oroville and where his grandkids caught their first fish. Bob had a love of local history and was

very active in the Oroville Historical Society spending countless hours researching and traveling to many local points of

interest. He and Louise traveled widely in their camper across the western United States, exploring as far as Arizona and

creating cherished memories along the way. One of his most treasured adventures was a special trip to Yellowstone with

his grandson Seth.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the love he shared so generously with his family and

community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 45 Acacia Ave., Oroville, CA 95965, on

Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the service.