Robert Frederick Lieske

Robert Frederick Lieske was born February 1, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland, the only son of Frederick and Ruth (Elsner) Lieske. He graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, in 1953, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physics. After graduation he briefly began his career at the Department of Defense at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, before serving in the United States Army from 1955-57 at Fort Bliss, Texas, with service in the Army Reserves through 1961. Following an honorable discharge he returned to the Ballistic Research Laboratories at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, where he worked continuously until 2011. During his distinguished career he advanced in 1985 to Division Chief for the Firing Tables and Ballistics Division of the United States Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), and continued to serve in this capacity until his death. In this role he was a respected colleague and leader, successfully spearheading multiple international NATO team initiatives. He successfully cultivated friendships and working relationships with innumerable international counterparts, in the process forming lifelong friendships with a culturally diverse circle of colleagues. His efforts were recognized by the Department of the Army Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service (1980), Saint Barbara Award (1985), and Zornig award (1990). He was especially pleased by an October 2010 ceremony to recognize his many years of exemplary service held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. At the time of his death he continued to passionately work full time to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership as he and his wife prepared to retire to Rochester, Minnesota. He married Marjorie Laura Pederson on February 20, 1954 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, MD; the two met at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in June 1953. He is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 56 years, his sons Robert David Lieske (wife Deborah Lieske) of Aurora, Illinois, and John Charles Lieske (wife Paula Craigo) of Rochester, Minnesota, and grandchildren Timothy, Andrew and Elizabeth Lieske. He was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church throughout his entire life, serving on the church council in various roles including president; on the building and pastoral call committees; and as a long-time usher. He had a life-long passion for mentorship and sports, organizing and serving as president of the Churchville Recreational Baseball Association for 25 years. He was an enthusiastic fan of football, and especially enjoyed rooting for the Baltimore Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Northwestern University Wildcats. He also thoroughly enjoyed travel and exploration, and was fortunate to share frequent European trips with his wife. Visitation will be Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home, P.A. from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. The funeral service will be Friday, January 28 at 10 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, officiated by Pastor Neale Wirtanen. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery. Pall bearers will be David Lieske, John Charles Lieske, James Elsner, James Gosweiler, Christian Pederson, and Phillip Lieske. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, or to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001