Robert L. Schouten

Robert “Bob” Schouten, age 75, entered into eternal life on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Prairie Place in Ripon.

Bob was born in Beaver Dam, WI, on June 29, 1948 to Ruben and Henrietta (Aalpoel) Schouten. His family lived on several farms in the Alto/Waupun area. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1966 and was hired at Speed Queen in Ripon. Just after joining Speed Queen he was drafted into the US Army. Bob served 2 years of active duty, spending 19 months serving in Augsburg, Germany, during the Vietnam War. 

After the Army in 1970, Bob continued working for Speed Queen in Ripon. He worked on the assembly line for a number of years. He finished his 43 year working career for RSPC until his retirement in 2013, and was a proud member of the Local 1327 Steelworkers union and their retirees group upon retirement.

Bob met the love of his life, Barbara Schultz on a blind date in 1976. They were united in marriage on October 8, 1977 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, WI, where he became a member. He joined the Senior Choir of Our Saviour’s. Choir and music meant everything to him. Highlights of the choir included a 1989 tour of Germany, including a visit into East Germany, a return trip to Germany and Switzerland in 1993, a trip to the US Air Force academy in 1996, and other local events. 

Bob enjoyed numerous activities. He loved to bowl with the Speed Queen bowling team at Pin Bowl in Ripon. He bowled with Barbara in couple’s league for a number of years and at AFL/CIO tournaments. He was a self-educated mechanic beginning with the equipment of the family farm and small engines to doing the majority of his own maintenance on vehicles while he was able. He was a do-it-yourself guy with most any home repair. He would spend hours tinkering with any task, and labeling him a perfectionist would sometimes be an understatement. He could be found at any local tractor pull that he could attend, horse pulls with Barb, and the local farm toy shows. He would lend a hand to anyone that needed help, would participate in his boys activities, and was incredibly sweet and gentle to anyone he would meet. Bob enjoyed playing sheepshead with 2 other couples every month for a number of years and with his boys, friends, and family. His incredible smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Barbara of 46 years; sons, Jeremy (special friend April) and Alan; brother-in-law, James (Mary) Schultz; and sister-in-law, Barbara Schultz; one nephew, John (Tori) Schultz; nieces Hope Schultz, Christine (Dave) Kelm, Karen Schultz and Laura (Timmie) Kauffman; several cousins and their families; as well as his great nieces and nephews. 

Those Bob have joined in heaven are his parents, Ruben and Henrietta Schouten; brother, Glenn; in-laws, Harry and Amber Schultz and their children, Jean and Donald; as well as several aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Visitation for Bob will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott Street in Ripon, from 9:00 until 11:00 am. Memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am at the church, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Radio Fund of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to his numerous health care providers and caregivers over the years. We are also grateful to the staff of Prairie Place for their exceptional care given to Bob during his stay. He was truly blessed.