Robb Schaefer

1. We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” but perhaps what you eat also reflects the life you live and your beliefs. If so, then this is the extraordinary life of Robb David Schaefer who passed from this earth on August 20, 2021, at the age of 53.

Robb was an adventurous eater, always willing to try new foods. He loved adventure in his life which led to numerous wonderful family vacations and great memories. This sense of adventure also allowed him opportunities to expand his engineering degree into sales and marketing as well as live in different cities throughout his career.

He often added a little, more likely a lot, of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to food. It added some kick, livened it up, just like Robb. His gregarious mannerisms, booming, jovial voice, zest for storytelling, and genuine love of people perked up any setting he was in. If Robb was around, then things were going to be happening, and it wasn’t going to be dull.

If you’re going to eat spicy, then you need to have some beer or a Captain and Coke. Robb enjoyed hanging out drinking a few with family and friends. This reflects the ease in which he made and maintained many meaningful, wonderful connections with others, and his belief that we need to kick back and have fun.

Of course there are chicken wings, bone in or boneless, dry rub or sauce, flavor, he didn’t care. This reflects Robb’s flexible, easy going personality. Whatever the situation, he would easily adjust, fit in, and make it work so it was comfortable for everyone. Even though wings can be messy, they are worth digging into as the flavor and taste are delicious. Just like life can be messy and challenging, but not being afraid and going for it can bring unexpected joys and fun.

Towards the end of his life, Robb overly enjoyed eating Hershey nuggets,  Zach and Abbie  would actually take the glass cover off the candy dish just so they didn’t have to listen to the constant clanging of the cover being taken off and put back on. Based on the numerous chocolate wrappers found in his pockets, Robb was reminding us that life is sweet. It’s a privilege to live life and live it well. Find the little things that bring you joy and just do it. For Robb some of those joys were watching his kids play soccer or really any opportunity to be with his family, telling, often retelling, stories of things he had done, fishing with the guys, using his skills to build or fix things,  hanging out on our boat just listening to music, floating, and appreciating a lovely day, or perhaps playing a subpar game of golf.

Whatever he was eating or drinking or whomever it was with, Robb relished that opportunity. He especially enjoyed sharing these moments with his wife Jenny, his children Zach and Abbie, whom he loved dearly, parents Carole and Dave, brother Reid and his wife JoAnne, mother-in-law Sally Iverson, sister and brother-in-laws, Julie and Bryan Schultz, Bruce and Mary Iverson (and Margaret), Amy and Kurt Gehrke, Betsy and Darin Powers, as well as nephews and nieces Matthew, and Sarah Schaefer, Melissa, Jim, Charlee, and Hadley Beltran, Ryan Schultz and Sara Draper, Tanor Gehrke, and Trey, Kadin, and Kaylee Powers. His partner in crime eating anything was his dog, Otis. Otis would eagerly encourage Robb to eat and share anything. A special uncle, Tim, who loved all the foods and drinks Robb did, as well as many aunts, uncles, colleagues and friends. All of you touched his life and made him who he was; thank you. Awaiting Robb on his next journey, candy bar in hand, is father-in-law Allan Iverson.

Robb’s friends and family are invited to gather at 1 PM on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Door Creek Golf Course, 4321 Vilas Rd, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 to celebrate his life, share some stories, and eat some of his favorite foods.

In memory and honor of Robb, please help feed those who may be struggling to get and enjoy food, find a simple way to let someone know that they are seen and cared for, or take your family out to eat and savor the moment, just as Robb did.

“Robb, although your time with us was not long enough, your loving ways and passion for life will sustain us. You will never be just a memory. You will shine in all our actions and words. Love you forever.” J, Z, A