01/12/12 The family of Specialist Robert Tauteris Junior are asking for their privacy as they prepare for his funeral. Wednesday morning they granted only three media the opportunity to hear their thoughts of their father and brother.
44 year old “Bobby” as the soldier is known to his family was killed last week in Afghanistan when his National Guard Unit was clearing roads of road side bombs and one of them went off.
Tammy Tauteris Smith, sister of the fallen soldier explained by saying, “Robert was a very private person, we all are. He died a hero but to us he was a brother and father. He would want us to keep this small and we are respecting his wishes.” Smith said her brother was, “one hundred percent dedicated to his kids. People don’t know the magnitude of what he did for his sons.” She was quick to say, “He was the gentle soul of the four of us. The quickest to smile, had a sense of humor, and was always there to cheer us up.”
Robert Tauteris III spoke about his dad saying, “He was devoted to me and my brother. He always loved to take us fishing and camping when we were young kids. He stood up as our Boy Scout leader from the time we were very young to being too old to be in scouts.” He also said, “People have commented negatively about me escorting my father home. I want you to know it was an honor being able to escort my father and the other fallen soldiers home from Afghanistan.”
The body of Specialist Robert Tauteris Junior will arrive in North Judson on Saturday and will be escorted through town by the Patriot Guard. His funeral is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at the Breman & Bailey Funeral Home with viewing beginning at 10 a.m.
Donations can be made at the funeral home to Matthew Tauteris or Robert Tauteris III. All donations will be given to a charity of their choosing.
