Robert John Pallansch

robert pallansch
Robert John Pallansch - January 22, 1930 - January 11, 2021

Once there were two talented, generous and musical people who were brought together by fate to build a life and a family together. Marielouise was born Marie Louise in New York City, raised in Lebanon, KY and was known as Fifi most of her life. Bob was born and raised in Washington DC. They both grew up with a deep appreciation for music and both became accomplished musicians. By 1960 they had both been married and were each single parents to two small daughters. They began a 60 year marriage and with love and skill, melded together a family which soon also included a son.



Marielouise went to Pomona College in CA and graduated from Center College in KY. She taught at a private school before meeting Bob, then sang as a Soprano soloist in numerous choirs. She became a professional clown (Merrillee) and storyteller at events throughout the area. Marielouise volunteered as a docent at Arlington House and the National Zoo and was a fine seamstress, making many costumes for public roles. Marielouise was also a skilled cook, gardener, painter and voice teacher and continued to study piano.



Bob went to Peabody Conservatory in MD. He then joined the US Army Field Band’s tuba section in 1950, transferring to the US Army Band in 1956 at Fort Myer, VA in order to stay near family and retiring in 1976. Bob was a tuba teacher and a well respected brass instrument repairman and restorer, and continued playing in community orchestras, brass quintets, Civil War instrument ensembles, a Dixieland band, substituting for the National Symphony and Wolf Trap and never missing Tuba Christmas.



Bob and Marielouise often collaborated professionally as well. They performed in a Renaissance storytelling group, with Marielouise singing and narrating and Bob playing the Serpent . . . in costumes of Marielouise’ making. Bob had also learned to play the Ophicleide and they played programs for school children to excite them about music. They hunted out duets for Soprano and/or Piano and Tuba.

Marielouise and Bob never stopped being loving, creative, civic minded and compassionate. Due to natural causes, they have turned the page on their story, but they will always be in the hearts of their five children (Paul, Mary-Beth, Leslie, Carol and Jeanne), Marielouise’ brother (David) and his wife (Lois), 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a multitude of relatives and friends who were part of their journey.

A Celebration of Bob and Fifi's lives will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor's Center Auditorium; 2739 West Ox Rd; Herndon, VA 20171. Contact Jeanne at trekjeanne [at] gmail.com for more information.

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  1. Please accept my condolences, I have fond memories of Bob and fifi, especially a memory of a recital that Fifi gave for the Friday Morning Music Society of Washington, and Bob’s fine work and craftsmanship on my french horns. they were a beautiful couple. Sadly, Tom Roberson, Arlington, VA

  2. Bob was a terrific horn player and a wonderful friend. I always enjoyed playing with him and visiting with him in his amazing workshop.

  3. I got to know Bob Pallansch when he did excellent repairs on my trumpet back between 2009 and 2011. A fine musician and a great guy! It is sad that he and Marielouise have died but wonderful that they shared such a long life together!–Bill Stetson


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