Robert Martin Schember

Robert Martin Schember passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, at the age of 67. Though Robert beat cancer not once but nine times, and was preparing for battle number ten, his amazing spirit was stilled by a heart attack, not by the disease he fought so fearlessly. For the past 15 years, Robert and his wife, Deb Taylor, lived with awareness of borrowed time-but they found joy in each day, always focusing on what could be done rather than what was lost. Robert was born on June 12, 1958, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is remembered for his fabulous sense of humor, brilliance with finances, zest for adventure, and deep dedication as a husband to Deb. The couple's partnership was a true adventure, rooted in humor, optimism and deep love. Robert was a member of the Iron Butt Association, earning accolades such as the "Border to Border Insanity!" award for riding his Honda ST1300 from Canada to Mexico in less than 24 hours in 2004. He achieved the rare feat of riding a motorcycle in all 50 states, often with Deb riding beside him. Together, they collected memories from national parks and iconic roads like the Million Dollar Highway and The Dragon. After retiring from welding in 2006, Robert won a highly competitive internship with National Geographic in Washington, DC, in 2007-a testament to his curiosity and drive. That same year, he married Deb Taylor and was joyfully welcomed into the roles of both husband and grandpa, which became two of his greatest sources of pride and delight. Never one to rest, Robert earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota in 2008. When cancer led them to sell their motorcycles in 2014, he and Deb traded wheels for wings, sails, and tracks, traveling across the country by any means possible. In 2020, Robert took up a new hobby, constructing elaborate Star Wars Lego sets, proving there was always exciting ground to cover-no matter the form. Robert is preceded in death by his biological mother, Ruth Schember; father, Martin Schember; sister, Kathy Fleming; sister, Nancy Youngberg; brother, Jamie Schember; and brother, Mark Schember. He is survived by his devoted wife, Deb Taylor; his mother who raised him, Janet Schember; and a wide circle of cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great- grandchild, and friends. A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Saturday, September 27th, at the White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. S, Burnsville, MN. Family and friends may gather at 10:00 am, with the service to follow at 11:00 am and lunch at noon. In honor of Robert's zest for life, please come wearing a Hawaiian shirt or your favorite fun shirt. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or to Senior Community Services in Robert's name. Above all, Robert taught those around him to embrace every moment, cherish every adventure, and face challenges with courage and laughter. He will be dearly missed, but the stories, love, and inspiration he shared will live on.