It’s with deep sadness that we share about the passing of Robert Muhr on the night of Dec. 2, 2025, due to cardiac arrest.

Born in Granite City, Ilinois, Bob was the son of German immigrants Ludwig and Anna Muhr. He grew up in Long Island, New York, with his sister Roberta and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was very proud of his New York heritage and loved the Yankees, as well as any and all college football teams.

After high school, Bob attended Rensselaer (R.P.I) and M.I.T., where he pursued bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.

After college, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, then Titusville, Florida, where he worked in aerospace for McDonnell Aircraft. In 1967, Bob moved to Los Angeles, where he eventually ended up working at UCLA in personnel.

In 1969, he met his future wife Joan, and they were soon married in July 1970. His first son Peter was born in May 1973, and the family soon moved to Goleta when Bob transferred to UCSB to work in personnel.

His second son, Danny, was born in May 1977. During the boys’ school years at Mountain View, Bob was active in Boy Scouts and helped coach their teams at the Goleta Boys Club.

Both sons attended Goleta Valley Junior High and Dos Pueblos High School, where Bob and his wife faithfully attended football and basketball games whether the kids were on the teams or not.

In 1980, Bob left UCSB to work for Hydranautics as manager of industrial relations until 1985. Then he returned to UCSB to work in facilities management as senior engineer in planning and construction. He retired in 2005.

To get away from the “Honey Do” list, he worked at UCSB Haz Mat Center, PathPoint, and as a substitute teacher at Dos Pueblos High School for 10 years.

His time as a sub at DPHS was definitely a special time for him. He was beloved by the students for his kind, easy-going, caring attitude. He meant so much to the DP community that he had a two-page feature in their 2013 yearbook.

Bob was recognized around town by former students who would always tell him how they remembered him as their “favorite sub.” This always meant so much to him. He loved talking with them and openly gave career advice, whether they wanted it or not.

He was very active in the Goleta Lions Club, and served as president. He also participated in the drum and bugle corps. He was also a member of the Goleta Elks Club for about 20 years.

Throughout life, he loved surfing with his two boys and camping at El Cap, Leo and Jalama, to name a few.

No matter if it was sunny and beautiful or pouring rain over an unlightable fire, he always declared, “Isn’t this the best camping trip ever?” That always brought a big grin to all our faces and helped us to appreciate the moment together more.

These camping and surf trips instilled a love of the outdoors and the ocean in both his boys. He was an avid football fan watching hours of college football on the weekend and playing catch in the yard.

With his family, most vacations were centered either at the beach for relaxing and time in the water, or up in the mountains for skiing.

When the boys were older, Bob and Joan loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. Later, with the onset of dementia, travel became limited to road trips up and down the California coast, which he always looked forward to.

Despite the limitations, Bob continued to swim, bowl, and spend time at the beach with his caregivers. We’d like to specifically thank Francisco, Mario and Ashley for all their fun afternoon outings.

Bob was known for his kind and caring manner and had a strong love of being with his family. His boys fondly remember his always taking time, even after a busy day, to play catch, take them to beach or movies, or just spend time doing what they wanted to do.

This also continued when the grandkids came along. He was a loyal friend who always kept in touch with childhood friends and relatives that lived abroad.

We miss him very much but know he’s in a better place.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; son Peter and his wife Rebecca; son Danny and his wife Danelle, and their two children Logan and Makaela.

In honoring Bob’s wishes, his family will be privately scattering his ashes in his favorite places.