Robert J. “Bob” Schowalter, age 88, of County Road W., town of Saukville, WI peacefully passed away at his home Sunday, October 11, 2020.
He was born on July 12, 1932 at home in Saukville to James A. and Ludmilla C. “Milla” Weiss Schowalter. After graduating from Port Washington High School in 1950, Bob served in the National Guard for a few years.
On February 13, 1954, Bob married Ruth H. Begusch of Port Washington at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. Together they would celebrate 52 years.
For many years, Bob operated Schowalter Roofing of which he also was a building contractor working with Harnischfeger Homes in the 1960’s. His sons would take over the business in 1989. Many may remember him at Christmas time, flocking and delivering Christmas trees to homes and businesses throughout the area. Upon his retirement, Bob spent 15 years with the Port Washington State Bank. Taking great pride in his work, Bob was the go-to guy for many projects, especially the seasonal decorations in and around the banks.
His wife Ruth operated Ruthe’s Ceramics in Saukville for over 20 years. Bob assisted her there and designing and care for their home’s garden and landscaping. He was an avid fisherman and spent many miles on the open road with his wife and their motorcycle.
Bob is survived by his four children, Jeff (Ellen) Schowalter of Port Washington, Karen (Paul) Wilkens of Newburg, John (Katie) Schowalter of Grafton and Richard (Sue) Schowalter of the town of Saukville; four grandchildren Michele (Jack) Matheny, Matt (Terri) Schowalter, Dan (Kelly) and Katherine Wilkens; four great-grandchildren Jacob, Katie, Rosie, Julianna and one on the way. He is further survived by his brother Ron (Bette) Schowalter of Port Washington, his sister-in-law Betty (the late Emmett) Buser of Canon City, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife Ruth on June 15, 2006, his daughter JoAnn Schowalter, his granddaughter Kelly Marie Schowalter, his sister Ruth Mehring and her husband Ken and his second wife Helen, daughter-in-law Judy Schowalter, nephews Paul Schowalter and Gary Mehring and a sister-in-law Sister Mary Begusch Benet.
Memorial funeral services will take place at 3PM Friday, October 16, 2020 at the POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Family will receive relatives and friends from 1-3PM Friday prior to services. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saukville.
**COVID-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks required. Exercise social distancing. Thank you**
Memorials to charity of givers choice appreciated.
Bob and I lived just houses away on old Hwy 57, now W, while we were growing up. Bob, my brother, Jim and I played together while growing up and got into
alot of mischief. We went to grade school together and Bob and I went to high school together. Then
we went on our merry ways. Bob, may you rest in peace and someday we’ll all be together again.
Aileen Jacoby Wiltgen
Bob was a great person, got to know him when I worked at the bank. He always had a smile, hello and was there to help with whatever or were ever he was needed..May he Rest In Peace.
Robert & Marie Prom