Robert “Bob” Scheffler
November 27th, 1927 - June 3rd, 2024
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Bob's Obituary
Robert Scheffler died peacefully at his home on June 3, 2024, surrounded by his children. He had a deep faith in God and we are comforted knowing he is in heaven with his wife, Adeline.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, with Pastor Martin Measel officiating. Friends may visit with the family at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. There will be a private family burial at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Caring Circle. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Bob was the youngest of 12 children born to Lydia and Gustave Scheffler in Coloma, Michigan on November 27, 1927. He grew up on the farm and developed traits that carried him through life. “Proud to be Scheffler” embodied the values of perseverance, determination, hard work and the love of God, family and country. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and Michigan State University with a degree in agriculture. He was respected by his colleagues at the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, retiring as a Regional Supervisor of Grand Rapids.
Robert served honorably in the United States Army, where he fought in the Korean War. He retired from the Army Reserves as a Lt. Colonel and his service was a source of immense pride for him and his family.
In 1950 he met Adeline Rutz, a tall, German, Lutheran beauty at the Crystal Palace and they were wed in 1952. Bob devoted his life to her for more than 70 years. He was a wonderful father to Tom, Cindy, Liz and Steve and grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren described him as “quirky”, listening to his made-up theories and tall tale stories that seemed credible. They all believed his claim to be the oldest and tallest man living in Michigan. He was hit by a car, hit by a train, hit by a cement truck, shot with a gun and lived a full 96 years of life! Bob always expressed his thankfulness to God for all his blessings and his family that loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife Adeline, his parents, brothers Ed, Paul, Herb, Gus, sisters Natalie & Martha, grandson Bennett Ross & granddaughter Sarah Scheffler.
He will be greatly missed by his children Thomas (Carla) Scheffler, Cynthia (John) Allen, Elizabeth (Stephen) Ross and Stephen (Kimberley) Scheffler. His grandchildren, Samantha (Fabbio), Donna, Matthew (Inbar), David (Kelcey), Ryan (Brooke), Patrick, Molly, Peter (Bridgitt), Katherine, Nathan and his nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are his half-brother, Theodore Lenhardt, special nephew and niece Kenny & Cookie Scheffler, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Our family also wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to Amanda, Kim & Nikata at Caring Circle and Mary & Chira.
Rest in peace, our beloved father. You will never be forgotten.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, with Pastor Martin Measel officiating. Friends may visit with the family at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. There will be a private family burial at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Caring Circle. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Bob was the youngest of 12 children born to Lydia and Gustave Scheffler in Coloma, Michigan on November 27, 1927. He grew up on the farm and developed traits that carried him through life. “Proud to be Scheffler” embodied the values of perseverance, determination, hard work and the love of God, family and country. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and Michigan State University with a degree in agriculture. He was respected by his colleagues at the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, retiring as a Regional Supervisor of Grand Rapids.
Robert served honorably in the United States Army, where he fought in the Korean War. He retired from the Army Reserves as a Lt. Colonel and his service was a source of immense pride for him and his family.
In 1950 he met Adeline Rutz, a tall, German, Lutheran beauty at the Crystal Palace and they were wed in 1952. Bob devoted his life to her for more than 70 years. He was a wonderful father to Tom, Cindy, Liz and Steve and grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren described him as “quirky”, listening to his made-up theories and tall tale stories that seemed credible. They all believed his claim to be the oldest and tallest man living in Michigan. He was hit by a car, hit by a train, hit by a cement truck, shot with a gun and lived a full 96 years of life! Bob always expressed his thankfulness to God for all his blessings and his family that loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife Adeline, his parents, brothers Ed, Paul, Herb, Gus, sisters Natalie & Martha, grandson Bennett Ross & granddaughter Sarah Scheffler.
He will be greatly missed by his children Thomas (Carla) Scheffler, Cynthia (John) Allen, Elizabeth (Stephen) Ross and Stephen (Kimberley) Scheffler. His grandchildren, Samantha (Fabbio), Donna, Matthew (Inbar), David (Kelcey), Ryan (Brooke), Patrick, Molly, Peter (Bridgitt), Katherine, Nathan and his nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are his half-brother, Theodore Lenhardt, special nephew and niece Kenny & Cookie Scheffler, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Our family also wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to Amanda, Kim & Nikata at Caring Circle and Mary & Chira.
Rest in peace, our beloved father. You will never be forgotten.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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