Robert William Segelke

Obituary

Robert William Segelke, a loving and devoted husband and cherished father, was called to his eternal home in the early hours of May 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his adoring family.

Born on September 12, 1947, in Queens, New York, Robert was the third son of August and Alice Segelke, following his brothers Peter and Jon Erik. The family later settled in Emerson, New Jersey, where Robert graduated from Emerson Junior-Senior High School. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he met his first wife, Rita Johnson. Together, they welcomed two children, Carey and Andy. Robert later moved to Houston, Texas, to raise his children and join his brother in business. It was there he met the love of his life, Sarah Rodriguez, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years and a daughter, Jennifer.

In the late 1970s, Robert’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight when he founded Houston Ground Control, a commercial landscaping company. What began with a single lawnmower blossomed into a thriving business that he proudly led for over four decades.

Robert was a man of boundless curiosity and many talents. In high school, he played alto saxophone in the band, ran cross country, and discovered a lifelong love of sailing—teaching himself from a book and building his first sailboat, Sprite, with his father. A true technophile, Robert was a founding member of HAL-PC (Houston Area League of PC Users) and was always among the first to embrace new technology.

His passions were as diverse as they were deep. He loved sailboats and sailing, and was extremely proud that his eldest daughter, Carey, shared the same passion and took to the sea. He found joy in woodworking, a craft he passed on to his son Andy and grandson Charlie. He built a darkroom in his home to share his love of photography with Andy and Jennifer. He was a puzzle enthusiast, famously racing to finish the New York Times crossword before his mother each morning, and later playfully challenging Jennifer to beat him at Wordle.

Robert was also a scuba diver, racquetball player, and backgammon champion. He marveled at the stars, loved action movies, sweets (especially German chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, and Hershey's bars), and found peace in his backyard. He adored animals, music, reading, and tying knots with any length of rope or string he could get his hands on.

Above all, Robert loved his family. His pride in their accomplishments and his joy in their company were evident to all who knew him. He was kind, gracious, generous, and hardworking. Though gentle in demeanor, he was known for his sharp wit and signature Segelke-sarcasm. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Robert will be sorely missed by all of us lucky enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Alice Segelke, and his brothers, Jon Erik and Peter Segelke.

Robert is survived and will be forever missed by his beloved wife, Sarah; his children Carey, Andy (Nicole), and Jennifer (Johnny Jeffers); and his eight grandchildren: Carey’s children—Katie Walker, Alex Frick, Caroline Johnston, and Chance Hodzic; Andy’s son—Charlie Segelke; Jennifer’s children—Poppy, Sadie, and Juniper Jeffers.

He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren: Katie’s children—Kruz Smith, McClellan and McCaffrey Walker; Alex’s children—Alexa Kayte Johnston, Briggs and Makenzie Frick.

Robert’s legacy lives on in the extended and beloved Segelke and Rodriguez families, and in the countless lives he touched with his warmth and wisdom.

Now resting in the arms of our Creator, Robert’s life is honored through the grace, love, and kindness he so freely gave. May we carry forward his spirit by living as he did—with curiosity, compassion, and joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at El Mesias Global Methodist Church, 406 Rittenhouse St, Houston, TX 77076.

Gallery

Memory wall

June 10, 2025

I love you. I miss you. How I wish you were here. The house is so lonely without you. Everything here reminds me of you. Everything. It’s seems every song I hear was meant for us and the tears just won’t stop flowing. My love for you is carved so deeply in my entire being that it hurts when I take a deep breath. Our last ten years were the very best we ever had and our love blossomed like flowers in the spring. I’ll miss holding your hand as we did so often until your last breath. You my darling husband were a gift from God to me. A gift I learned to cherish as you were meant to be. Thank you for Jennifer she truly is an angel like you always said she was. Right now I would be completely lost if it were not for her. You were always her constant in life and I know she was your constant as well. The most beautiful love I have ever witnessed was that between the two of you. I am grateful for the years of your life you devoted to me. I can’t imagine my life without you in it and I can’t believe I will live in a world without Robert William Segelke. You are and always will be the love of my life. I miss you with all my heart. My darling, my love. Bye for now. Until we meet again I will forever love you.

Sarah R. Segelke

June 5, 2025

Bob was my friend for nearly 70 years. That is a true measure of his compassion and patience as he endured my evolution through life with his signature wit and understanding.

We shared many interests, goals, and values, which made it possible to reinvigorate our friendship no matter how much time and space would pass between us. For me, Bob was a constant that I could rely on no matter what the current social, economic, or political landscape would present. His friendship was critically important to me over all those years. I will remember and miss him for the rest of my life. Bob, may you find everlasting peace and grace in the arms of our Lord as you so richly embraced Him in this life! Goodbye Dear Friend.

Jeff Zee

June 4, 2025

He was the most wonderful father and grandfather. I am so blessed and thankful for the bond he and I shared and the bond he had with my girls. I love you, Daddy. I’ll miss you forever.

Jennifer Jeffers

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