Dr. Robert “Bob” Raymond Vincent Wiederkehr

Dr. Robert “Bob” Raymond Vincent Wiederkehr passed away on March 5 at the age of 95 in McLean, Virginia. Born in Chicago, Illinois to a French mother and Swiss father, Bob grew up in a modest neighborhood surrounded by three siblings, including his younger brother Paul, with whom he shared a close bond until Paul’s passing several years ago.

He graduated from Carl Schurz High School, where his early job as a paperboy for the Chicago Tribune earned him the first of many scholarships. Bob went on to earn a BS, MS, and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He began his professional life at Dow Chemical, where in 1959 he married Yvonne Teague of Sidcup, England. Seeking new challenges, he later earned a Master’s degree in Statistics from Stanford University.

Bob then built a distinguished career as an operations research analyst, working for various Department of Defense agencies and defense contractors. His work took the family to Key West, Washington DC, Italy, and Virginia Beach before he and Yvonne settled in Falls Church, Virginia, where they raised their two sons, David and Christopher.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was known for his passion for travel, sports, and a lifelong love of learning. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Yvonne, his sons David (Sarah) and Christopher (Joana Mota), and his beloved grandchildren Caitlin, Toby, and Simon.