Robert “Bob” Etlinger, 72, was surrounded by family when he was called home to God on April 4, 2026.
Bob was born on October 8, 1953, to Germaine (Lambrecht) and Clemens Etlinger in Seguin, Texas. He was baptized, confirmed, and received the Eucharist at St. James Catholic Church and attended its school, then known as St. Joseph’s Catholic School. He attended Seguin High School, graduating in 1972, and went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in 1976 and St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1979. He began a career in law as Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County for four years, receiving honors as a Hidalgo de San Antonio de Bejar from the Commissioners Court for his work, before transitioning into private practice for almost two decades.
Bob was proud of the community he was born and raised in, working not only to pursue justice as the Assistant County Attorney for Guadalupe County for over 22 years, but also serving the community through various organizations like Seguin Main Street Advisory Board, Guadalupe County Republican Party, South Texas Children’s Habilitation Center, and Boy Scouts. As a pro-life advocate, he supported the work of South Texas Pregnancy Care Center.
Dedicated to his faith and Lord, he was a lifelong parishioner of St. James and served his parish community through various ministries, including the youth group, A.C.T.S. Retreats, UNITAS marriage preparation, the annual Fall Festival, and serving as lector. He was also a Third Degree Knight and Advocate for the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Bruno Hubertus Council #3412. He could frequently be found at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. James reading his Bible and praying.
At his wife’s insistence, Bob finally retired in 2023 and spent his time tinkering around his farm, gardening, serving at the Knights of Columbus, fishing at the coast with his son, and spending all the time he could with his grandchildren.
Bob is preceded by his parents and stepmother, Josephine (Blume) Etlinger. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jackie Etlinger; children, Zachary Etlinger and wife Thea, Candace Bryant-Lester and husband Levi, and Jayme Bryant; grandchildren, William Bryant, Jacob Etlinger, Jackson Etlinger, and Abigail Etlinger; siblings, Kay (Etlinger) Bloch and husband Albert Bloch, Jr., and Michael Etlinger; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will begin on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. Interment will follow in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Columbus Club Seguin Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic School, 510 S. Camp St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 115, Seguin, Texas, 78156.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.