Robert F. Uphaus

Robert “Bob” F. Uphaus, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Topeka.

He was born on January 23, 1944, in Seneca, Kansas, to August and Rose (Ronnebaum) Uphaus. He graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School in 1961 and proudly served in the Army Reserve for five and a half years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining the rank of Fourth Degree Knight; a member of American Legion Post #400; and a faithful parishioner of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. He was also an active member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, where he generously volunteered his time and supported many of their activities.

Bob began his insurance career in Seneca in 1965 with Kansas Security Life Insurance. He moved to Topeka in 1968 and, in 1970, began working for Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1983, he joined Mead Insurance and continued with the organization following its merger with Brier Payne Insurance in 1996, remaining there until his retirement on January 31, 2024. After 59 years in the insurance profession, he often said he enjoyed his work so much that he never felt like he had worked a day in his life.

Bob married Nancy Aeschliman, and they had two daughters, Kristin and Sara, before later divorcing. In June 1996, he married Nancy Fangman, with whom he shared many happy years until her passing.

Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his kind heart, constant optimism, sense of humor, strong faith, and love for life. He found great joy in telling stories, dancing, making homemade wine with his brothers, playing cards, and especially enjoyed the friendships formed through his traveling pitch and poker groups. He also enjoyed shooting pool, visiting nearby casinos, watching Kansas State University ball games, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities. Bob loved traveling with family and friends, including memorable trips to Colorado, California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Europe.

Bob cherished his family above all else and especially adored his grandchildren and great-grandson. He maintained an active social life, never met a stranger, and was deeply grateful for his many lifelong friendships. Bob faced cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) with courage and faith, inspiring those around him with his strength, resilience, and enduring optimism.

He is survived by his daughters, Kristin (Jeff) Duncan and Sara Uphaus; grandchildren Joshua, Skylar, Mena, and Derek; step-granddaughter Nicole; great-grandson Armani; stepsons Gary (DeeAnn) Fangman, Brian (Denise) Fangman, and Randy Fangman; and brothers Leonard (LaVerne), Donald (Mary Alice), and Kenneth (Mary).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Uphaus; his parents; brothers Richard and John; sister-in-law Connie Uphaus; and stepson Kevin Fangman.

Cremation is planned. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary prayed at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Holy Trinity Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for bile duct cancer and supporting those affected by this rare disease.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans’ Administration Medical Center, who provided Bob with exceptional care and became like a second home to him over the years; to Cedarhurst Senior Living of Topeka, where he resided this past year and formed meaningful friendships while receiving attentive and compassionate support; and to Ascend Health Hospice for their gentle care and comfort during his final days.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.