Robert Schaller

Robert William Schaller
1/29/1946-8/27/2015

On January 29, 1946, Robert William Schaller began his journey. To his parents, he brought much fun, curiosity and orneriness. While living in the Philippines for a few years as a preteen, he stole an American flag and the hearts of nurses in the Philippines when he broke his arm. That sense of fun and mischief carried over to his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Pam Schwebke, while they both attended ISU. As a parent to Brian and Monica, he provided silliness, a home, pride and (after many years of hard work providing for the family) wisdom and advice on how consider all sides of a story and how to be better than they thought they could be. After Pam died, he met another Monika, who shared love, joy and dessert with him in their marriage. She, indeed, was dessert - a sweet treat all the way to the end. She also brought four daughters, their husbands and children and much subsequent joy into his life. Bob had a soft spot in his heart for dogs and always had a canine companion who loved him very much. Bob's gift for woodworking was sadly cut short by an ALS diagnosis, but his creations will bring joy for generations to come. While the disease took much from him, it never got hold of his laid back attitude and his common response to adversity: It is what it is. Bob’s wife will remember his stability, love and support. His children will remember his pride in them and the many conversations that inspired deep thought. His friends will remember boat trips, golf games and many, many jokes. His grandchildren will remember the joy they brought him and being asked to pull his finger.

He is survived by his loving wife, Monika; children, Brian (Ronette) and Monica (Kevin) Brown; brother, Steve; brother-in-law, Terry Schwebke; Monika’s children who were like daughters to him, Melissa (Scott) Caudill, Heather (Mike) Varvel, Ashley (Wyatt) Leininger and Angelique (Chris) McCoy; grandchildren, Lydia, Alexis, Logan, Jeremy, Delaney, Brooklyn, Bianka, Addison, Brynnley, Woodrow, Alistaire and Trenton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Pam; and grandson, Brennan.

Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2015 at The Cafe at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW, Altoona.

Memorials may be directed to the family to go towards a memorial close to Robert's heart. The family asks that someone pull your finger at 8:08, when it is "Bob on the clock."

Print