Robert E Schwab

Robert E. Schwab, 65, of Peoria passed away and went to be with his Lord Jesus Monday, May 21, 2012 at home. He was born April 29, 1947 in St. Louis, MO to Arthur and Esther Schwab. He married Gweneth (Boge) Schwab August 8, 1969. She survives. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Nancy Jo Boge (Bill) Ketterer; two nieces, Kelly Ketterer (Steve) Ullom, Shayne Ketterer (Ron) Smith, one nephew Todd Ketterer, and four great-nephews and one great niece and many cousins and second cousins. Bob received his BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Missouri at Rolla and his MBA from Bradley University. He worked for Caterpillar, travelling the world extensively and living in Belgium for 4 years before returning and working as the World Wide Commercial Products Manager for Specialty Products, retiring in 2009. Immediately after retirement, Bob worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (a university ministry) as the Interim Director of Graduate and Faculty Ministries. He developed an Interim Management model for the organization and served in other interim positions within the organization until a few months before his death. Bob was a member, teacher, and elder at First Covenant Church of Peoria. Bob was an avid racquetball player, playing in local leagues and tournaments in the Midwest. He also instructed racquetball with private lessons. Many of Bob's friends were first met on the court. Bob was also an avid scuba diver, having logged over 1000 dives, and attaining the level of dive master with which he helped instruct new divers. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm Saturday May 26, at First United Methodist Church of Peoria. Visitation will be also Saturday from 12:30 pm until time of service. In lieu of flowers, Bob and Gweneth request memorial contributions be made to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, P. O. Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707.