Robert Lee AMMERMAN

AMMERMAN, KELLY, DESPAIN, HILPIPRE, MARTIN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/4/2011 at 12:51:43

September 1, 1937 --- November 26, 2011

Robert Lee Ammerman, a longtime Tulsa resident, passed away on Saturday, November 26th. Robert was born on September 1st, 1937, in Goldfield, Iowa to Lena [nee: Martin] and Leo Ammerman. At the age of 23 he enlisted in the Army and got his first taste of mechanic work. After serving for two years, he was honorably discharged. He then moved to Tulsa and got a job honing his machinist skills working for Bob Walworth at Car Parts Machine Shop which also started a lifelong friendship with Bob. In 1970 Robert opened Der German Imports with Bob Walworth to provide Tulsa Volkswagen owners with a quality repair shop. Over the years Robert gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the nation’s preeminent Volkswagen engine builders. In 2009 he made the decision to sell Der German but continued to work there part-time. When he wasn’t building his incredible engines, he enjoyed spending his spare time with his loving wife Mija, and taking vacations together to Branson and other favorite destinations. Robert also enjoyed fishing, and spending time with his many friends. Robert was one of those special people you meet in life that you’ll never forget and all of us who knew him are truly blessed.

Robert is survived by his wife Mija Ammerman, daughter Sherry L. Kelly, grandsons Heath DeSpain and Matthew Kelly, brothers Lyle and Ron Ammerman and Sister Betty Hilpipre. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Lena Ammerman, brothers Kenneth, Donald and Melvin, sisters LaVonne and Melvina and son Lance Kelly. Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday December 1st at Floral Haven Chapel in Broken Arrow from 2-9pm. The funeral will be on Friday December 2nd at 3pm at Floral Haven Chapel.

Tulsa World -- Oklahoma
December 1, 2011