Robert Zauner Obituary

Robert Leonard Zauner 79, of Blackfoot passed away October 10, 2021 in his home. He was well loved and will be missed.

Robert was born February 28, 1942, in Omaha Nebraska, to Leonard Zauner and Irene Tesch, both the children of immigrants from Heidelberg, Germany.

He attended school in Omaha. He was a very talented accordionist, playing for events and eventually teaching accordion at the Johnny Swoboda School of Music. Robert taught Johnny Ray Gomez, who went on to play professionally. He also competed in dancing with his partner and won awards in that.

He later married Jean Leutenneger, whose parents were also from Germany. They had four children.

Robert worked for UPRR in their Omaha headquarters offices for over 30 years.

On May 23, 1988, he married Sherrie Winans Gasper, and they were together until his death. During their years together they moved to many different states, including WA, OR, CA, CO, ID, MO and FL. They said, 'If you don't go, you don't know.' They enjoyed exploring, taking several trips to Europe.

Robert was a devoted Christian and did ministry work in all their travels. He delighted in sharing stories of his adventures in Alaska with his cousin. Wayne Zauner, who was a master guide and took him on an extended trip to the tip of Alaska at the Arctic. He met a grizzly face to face, which was his biggest thrill. He would always make sure that anyone he spoke with knew his Lord, Jesus.

Robert was a member of the NRA and World Ministry Fellowship. He also had several friends in law enforcement in Omaha, and for several years he accompanied them and did backup work for them.

Robert enjoyed traveling, listening to music and watching westerns. He loved Corvettes, John Wayne and 'Gunsmoke.' His favorite song was "Take It To The Limit" by the Eagles, and he did.

Robert is survived by his wife Sherrie, of Blackfoot, and his children, Kimberly Keigwin of Canyon Lake, CA, William 'Bill' Zauner of Laguna Niguel, CA, Robert 'Bobby' Zauner of Huntington Beach, CA, Traci Zauner of Laguna Niguel, CA, Cyrus Mulready, Professor of English at SUNY, New Paltz, NY, and nine grandchildren. He had a special and strong relationship with his daughter Traci and her son, Christian.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted son, Michael.

No services will be held at this time. Family is under the care of Hawker Funeral Home.