Robert “Rob” James Haenze Jr., 64, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, after a short battle with liver cancer.
Rob was born on March 23, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Robert James Haenze Sr. and Helen (Lundgren) Haenze. He attended Pueblo South High School, graduating in 1980. He earned his associate’s degree at Pueblo Community College.
On June 23, 1984, Rob married the love of his life, Shelley, in Colorado Springs. Together they shared 42 years of marriage, creating a home filled with love, family, laughter, traditions, and countless memories.
Rob dedicated 32 years of his career to El Paso County, making many lifelong friends, before retiring in June 2024. Retirement gave him the opportunity to enjoy the things he loved doing most and spend more time with the people who meant everything to him.
He loved collecting sports cards, memorabilia, and all things Charlie Brown. He was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins and would often be found watching his favorite teams play. He loved gardening and taking care of his yard, always taking pride in his home. He especially loved decorating for the holidays, with Christmas and Halloween being his favorites. He had a fond appreciation of classic Mustangs.
But more than anything, Rob loved his family.
His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He treasured watching his family grow and traveling to visit them. His family was the center of his world, and the love he had for them was evident in all that he did.
Rob is survived by his beloved wife, Shelley; their children: Stephanie (Chris) Landry, Melissa (Reid) Rohren, and Robert James Haenze III (Lyndsy); his sisters: Mary Mosier, Elizabeth Reed, and Janet Bumpas; and his eight grandchildren: Avery, Blake, Palmer, Paisley, Robert James IV, Penelope, Beau, and Baby Rohren #4.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Haenze; his sister, Luise; his sister-in-law, Kristy; and his nephews: Ricky, Mikey, and Danny.
A celebration of Rob’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 8, 2026, in the Worship Center at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, Colorado. A reception will follow the service.
At a later date, Rob will be laid to rest in the Rose Garden at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, alongside his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a tribute gift be made in Rob’s memory to the American Liver Foundation in support of liver cancer research. We hope that, in honor of Rob, these gifts can help bring hope to other families facing this disease.
Above all else, Rob would want us to remember what he knew so well and lived every day: family is everything.