Robert Edward "Gump" Miltenberger

Robert Edward “Gump” Miltenberger Jr., age 57 of South Bend, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 12, 2021 in Memorial Hospital.  Robert was born January 8, 1964 in South Bend to the late Robert E. Sr. and Barbara J. (Crowel) Miltenberger.  Robert later enlisted in the US Army where he served honorably until his discharge in July of 1981.

He is survived by his sons Robert E. (Erin Goodrich) Miltenberger III and Joshua (Melanie Davidson) Miltenberger, both of South Bend and his grandchildren whom he loved immensely, Allison, Madelyn and Thomas Miltenberger, Tyler Davidson, and Olivia and Parker Miltenberger.  Also surviving is the mother of his children, Angela Miltenberger and his siblings Robin (Michael) Kramer of South Bend, Renee Clark of Iowa, Rhonda (Ron) Spitaels of Osceola, and Rex (Tina) Miltenberger of South Bend.  He joins in Heaven his daughter Brittany Nicole Miltenberger who preceded him in death in 1995, his parents, Robert Sr. and Barbara Miltenberger, his brother Doyle Miltenberger and his brother-in-law Kent Clark.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 2:00 pm Celebration of Robert’s life on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  The 2pm Celebration of Life service will also be streamed in real time.  The virtual lobby will open ½ hour prior to the beginning of the service and the staff of Cruz Family Funeral Home will admit those wishing to join by following this link: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689

Robert was employed for many years as a maintenance supervisor at different apartment complexes in the area before his retirement in 2015.  In his spare time, he enjoyed grilling outdoors, fishing and mushroom hunting, playing cards, collecting antiques, restoring old cars and watching sports, especially Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers football and Dale Earnhardt on the NASCAR circuit.  He also loved to listen to music and always joked with his family that he had “written” several of the hit songs they would hear on the radio.  He was also a longtime member of the Clay Democratic Club in South Bend.

He had an incredible sense of humor and an amazing outlook on life.  He enjoyed spending time with other people, making them laugh and forget about the troubles they may be going through. His warm smile and quick wit will be greatly missed.

Most of all, Robert loved the Lord, and is now rejoicing with Him in Heaven.

To leave a message of comfort, light a virtual candle in Robert’s memory, or share a story of his life, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.