Robert R. Aschermann

robert aschermann

October 21, 1917 ~ June 27, 2010


Resided in: Westminster, CO

Robert R. Aschermann, 92, passed away on June 27, 2010, at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver. He and his wife, Arla, had recently moved to an independent living center in Westminster after having lived in Pueblo for nearly 70 years. Bob was born in Rocky Ford, Colo., on October 21, 1917, to John and Mary Roe Aschermann. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Madelyn Aschermann Cantrell and Regina Aschermann McLain; and nephew, Larry Cantrell. Bob's earthly legacy is the role model he presented to his sons and those who knew him: hard work, self motivation, going beyond the call of duty. At the expense of his own pleasures, he willingly accepted the responsibility and welfare for his mother, his sisters, his wife and his sons. Survivors include his wife, Arla; sons, Jerry (Peggy) of St. Joseph, Mo., David (Judy) of Ft. Collins, Colo., John (Janet) of Arvada, Colo.; and grandchildren, John B. (Kathy) of Canton, Mich., Brian of Ft. Collins, Joy (Tom) Nix of Ft. Collins, Rob (Jennifer) of Austin, Texas, Erik (Brenna) of Union, Ky., Scott (Jane), Matthew, and Garrett, all of Arvada, and six great-grandchildren. Bob and Arla Rae Scott were married on May 11, 1941, in Taos, N.M. and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last month. In his early years he worked with his father as a farmer and rancher in the Rocky Ford region, attending the New Dale School and Timpas Creek School. This was followed by schooling in Garden City, Kan., Canyon City, Colo. (class of 1936) and Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He achieved the rank of First Class Boy Scout when living in Garden City. Bob was a member of the 'greatest generation' that survived the trials and tribulations of the 1930 dust storms, the economic depression and World War II. His character was molded working with a team of mules in the Kansas sun and milking 40 head of cattle before going to school. At the age of 90, he decided the exterior of his house needed painting. So, up the ladder he went with the paint can, the paint brush and his oxygen bottle. His quiet personality, diligence and hard work were always an example for those he associated with. During his high school years and prior to World War II Bob was associated with Safeway stores in Canyon City and Alamosa, Colo. On May 18, 1942, he was inducted into the Army of the United States and did his basic training at Abilene, Texas. Later he was accepted and graduated from Officer Candidate School and was assigned to a Medical Collecting Company-Litter Platoon that was part of General Patton's Third Army. Second lieutenant Aschermann saw action in France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Colmar Pocket Offensive in Alsace, France. He was presented with challenges in both the war time and peace time army. On one occasion he was given the responsibility to arrange transportation for over 10, 000 allied wounded soldiers who were in Russian hospitals and who had to be moved to Allied hospitals within 48 hours. Bob Aschermann was discharged from the US Army with the rank of Captain. In the early 1950's, Bob and his father bought the Lindsay Softwater franchise for Pueblo County. For years many of his customers knew him only as Mr. Lindsay. The business was built on integrity and providing service to the customer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even while being an entrepreneur, Bob had time to become engaged in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities of his three sons. He served in a variety of leadership roles for Cub Scout Pack #2, Troop #2 and the Rocky Mountain Council of Boy Scouts. Several awards of recognition and achievement were received from the Boy Scouts of America. He also worked with the youth program of the Sunrise Optimist International Society. Bob took personal pride with the intensive agriculture that he did on an average size lot in Pueblo and Pueblo West. His roses and petunias provided vivid colors for all who went by. His production of Swiss chard, zucchini and tomatoes fed many neighbors. With retirement, Bob continued to serve the Pueblo community with Meals on Wheels, Bethel Methodist Church, Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West, Pueblo Historical Society, Veterans Committee of the Pueblo Elks chapter and Pueblo County Master Gardening program. For years he and fellow Elks placed an American flag on the grave of each US military veteran on Memorial Day. He also headed a group that distributed leather gloves to veterans confined to wheel chairs. Bob was a member of the BPO Elks for seventy-five years. Viewing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, followed by the service, 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2010, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans' Ritual Team and interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Arla requests memorial contributions to the BPO Elks Memorial Fund, Pueblo County Historical Society, or the Pueblo Humane Society, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com

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  1. Dear Arla: We were sorry to read about Bob’s death. We will pass this news on to Dad who is living with my brother, Dan, in Loveland. Al is having many memory problems, his health is okay, but he still has his sense of humor.

    We heard many stories about Bob and his garden. Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  2. Arla-
    I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I still have the beautiful necklace you sent to me for Christmas that year- it meant so much to me that you would continue to remember me during that difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers.

  3. Dear Arla and family: Our families could not have been closer. We spent many vacations together, Sunday dinners, rides in the country etc. Bob and my dad were best friends and had many adventures together throughout the years. How we all loved to hear the stories. They couldn’t keep from laughing as they told us about all of their adventures. Thank you Arla for being there, for me, during my folks illnesses and beyond. You and Bob were such dear and faithful friends for my folks. Love always, Leanna

  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Arla. I so enjoyed reading the obituary and “getting to know” Bob a little better even at this time. May God continue to comfort and bless you.
    In Christ’s love,
    Kathy

  5. Dear Aschermann Family, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers in the loss of your patriarch. With deepest sympathy,

  6. Arla & family:I was saddened to read of Bob’s death. Many memories of your family going back to grade school years in La Junta. I am sorry not to be able to be with you today for the services, but will get in touch with you later.

  7. My hearfelt condolences to all of the Ashermann family. I have been associated with Bob and Arla for many years as a member of the Pueblo County Historical Society and contributor to the Pueblo Lore. Both Bob and Arla befriended my parents while they were members of Bethel Methodist Church. My wife and I grieve his loss.

  8. My folks moved to their Horseshoe address over 45 years ago and my dad, Harry, still lives there. In their later years, Bob and my dad would attend the Elks’ Old-Timers dinner together cherishing the fact that they were the old timers. When Dad found out Bob and Arla were moving to Denver, he visited with Bob remembering the old neighborhood, and that visit meant a lot to my dad. I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. I pray the good memories you have with him will make the sorrow a little easier to bear.

  9. Dear Arla, I am deeply saddened by Bob’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.

    I fondly recall the the long and treasured friendship of 30 + years with you and Bob, Mary Ellen (deceased, 2000) and I shared. We always thoroughly enjoyed visiting with with both of you at the Ecumenical Church and any other time we were priviledged to meet you, in addition to the pleasantries you and I shared during those many years as choir members at the church. May your faith give you comfort!

    A.E.

  10. Bob and Arla moved in next door to Ben and me about 25 years ago. We soon developed a a close relationship with them. Several times over the years I have accidently locked myself out of my house and had to go next door and get a key from Arla and Bob to get back into my house. We had a dog named Laddie who was loved by Bob and Arla. When we went on vacation Bob would take care of Laddie. Ben died in 2005 and the Aschermanns were there for me. We have been through a lot together and I will miss them terribly. They were the perfect neighbors. I wish Arla many happy years in her new home.


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