Robert Joseph Haunert, 91, passed away at home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 31, 1934, to Henry J. and Frances L. (Wenning) Haunert, in the little town of St. Maurice, located in Decatur County, Indiana. Robert was one of six siblings. He grew up farming with his dad and had great memories of helping out, keeping cattle from running off, and racing barefoot with his brother, Leo, down a long dirt road.
Bob attended Clarksburg High School, class of 1952, where he played sports. After high school he joined the United States Army in 1957 and served his country well until his honorable discharge in 1959. Bob met the beautiful Marie Thole at a Millhousen dance in 1959, thanks to JoAnn (Siebert) and Leo Haunert.
Bob and Marie were wed on October 8, 1960, and have been married for almost 65 years. They had three children: Kurt, Melinda, and Timothy. Timothy tragically passed at birth, and now, Bob will get to meet his son in Heaven. Bob and Marie’s marriage was the true meaning of through good times and bad, and through sickness and health. They always looked to Jesus for strength.
Together they built RKJ Haunert Farms, and a full vibrant life. Farming was their everyday life, but they were also known to be a lot of fun. Bob enjoyed golf, traveling, and going out for a good meal with his family. Never missed an opportunity to drive a new (long way) home, jokingly calling it a “short cut”. Robert was a hard working and generous man. Helping those in need or being a sounding board of reason. He truly loved people, and it showed. He was a loving father, grandfather, and later earning his title Pop Pop by the great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the Eagles and the Clarksburg Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie E. (Thole) Haunert; son, Kurt Haunert; daughter, Larry and Melinda (Haunert) Heger; two grandchildren: Joey and Jessica (Heger) Dwenger, Landon and Shelbi (Koors) Heger; and a total of six great grandchildren. Also, his last remaining sibling Annie (Haunert) Ricke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Timothy Haunert; siblings: Rita R. (Haunert) Litmer, Mary E. (Haunert) Krekeler, Dorothy M. (Haunert) Greenway, and Leo C. Haunert.
He was very loved and cherished by us all.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish – St. Maurice from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A Funeral Mass will be held following the visitation at 11:00 am, also at the church, with Father Bill Ehalt officiating. Burial will take place at St. Maurice Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Margaret Mary Hospice in honor of Bob.