The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Robert O. “Bob” Weitzeil, who died on September 7 at age 89.
Bob’s relationship with ODF spanned more than two decades. He had been a faithful donor since 2004, years before joining the ODF Board of Directors in 2018. His generosity and service reflected a deep commitment to strengthening the church through faithful stewardship.
Bob was called back from retirement to serve as the founding pastor of South Grand Lake Christian Church. During the church’s September 13, 2026, worship service, which was streamed on Facebook, a member recalled her first visits to the church and her questions for Bob about what the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) believed and what made it distinctive. Bob’s introduction to the denomination was simple: “We just pray and love everybody and help them.”
That pastoral perspective followed him on to the ODF Board of Directors. When health concerns led Bob to resign from the board in 2019, he wrote that it was encouraging to know the funds supporting the Region were being handled “with such competency and professionalism,” and thanked ODF for the opportunity “to serve the church in this way.”
Through more than two decades of generosity, his service on the ODF board, and a lifetime of ministry, Bob helped strengthen the church in ways that will continue beyond his lifetime.
We give thanks for Bob’s faithful support of the Foundation, for the ministry he shared with his late wife, Lois, and for the many lives they touched together.