Robert Malzahn

Robert Wayne Malzahn, known to many as Bob, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 76. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and servant of Christ, Bob’s life was marked by a deep commitment to faith, family, and lifelong learning.

Born on August 27, 1949, in Pontiac, Michigan, Bob was the son of Russ and Betty Malzahn. He grew up in Utica, Michigan, attending Trinity Lutheran School and graduating from Utica High School. He pursued his calling in Christian education with great passion, earning a bachelor’s degree from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, followed by a Master of Science in Education from Western Illinois University, a Master of Counseling from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Over the course of his distinguished career in Lutheran education, Bob served as a teacher, administrator, and mentor to many. He was actively involved in professional organizations including the Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools and BridgesWork. He was the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his dedication and impact, including the Teaching Excellence Award from Concordia University in Austin, Texas; the Paul Lange Award from ALSS for creative leadership and positive role modeling in secondary education; and the Lux Christi Award for Christian leadership and education from Concordia University, Portland.

Bob married the love of his life, Ellen, on July 31, 1971. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and laughter. Bob found his greatest joy in spending time with his family—especially his grandchildren—whom he adored and delighted in spoiling. He was also an avid woodworker and a dedicated teacher of adult Bible study, sharing his faith and wisdom with others throughout his life.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Betty Malzahn, and his sister, Karen Spann.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ellen Malzahn; his daughters, Sheri Luedemann (Bart) and their children Corey, Joci, and Callie; and Stephanie Lockingen (Aric) and their children Abigail and Adam. He is also survived by his sisters Lorraine Reiter (Fred) and Donna Meilink (Simon); his brother-in-law Robert Spann; and many dear friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives he touched.

A visitation will be held for Bob at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller Sunday, October 12 from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place the following Monday, October 13 at 10 AM at Crown of life Lutheran Church in Colleyville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s honor to:

Concordia Preparatory School, Towson, MD

Concordia University, Seward, NE

Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Colleyville, TX

Bob's legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted with his unwavering faith, his heart for education, and his unconditional love for his family. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.