Robert S. Schaper

Robert S. "Bob" Schaper 59, of New Lenox, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 30, 2016.

Bob was born in Joliet to Ronald W. (deceased) and Janice M. (nee Johnson) Schaper; loving father of Michelle Schaper, Jenna Schaper (deceased), Scott Schaper and Brian (fianc e Teresa Guerriero) Schaper; dear brother of Lynn Plarski; fond uncle of Sean Plarski, Kyle Plarski, Ashley Plarski (deceased) and Amanda Plarski (deceased); husband of Linda (nee Rolaff) Schaper for 32 years.

Bob was New Lenox Mustang Co-Athletic Director and Head Coach of the heavyweight team, Founder of New Lenox Lightning girl's fast pitch softball, Co-Founder and Coach of New Lenox Wolfpac Basketball, a member of the Southwest Midget Football League, former Hitting Coach for the Providence Catholic Baseball Program and he was also a hitting instructor for numerous area baseball and softball players.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's name to the Ron "Papa" Schaper Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Lincolnway Community Bank would be appreciated.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451, on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 2:00 to 9:00PM.

Funeral Service Saturday, June 4, 2016 with 10:00 prayers at the funeral home to St. Jude Catholic Church 241 W. Second Ave. New Lenox for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM. Interment Skyline Memorial Park, Monee, IL. www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-485-3200 for info.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Jun. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Schaper

Sponsored by Kurtz Memorial Chapel - New Lenox.

76 Entries

Joanna Roat

June 15, 2016

Just found out about Bob's passing
My sincerest sympathies go out to Linda and family I also knew his Mom Jan
Bob once paid me the highest compliment at my job...saying I did my job very well and I never forgot that. Recently saw him in February this year...always so nice to speak with him.
Joanna Roat(Dr Richard Holba's assistant)e2tG

Jim Boldrey

June 9, 2016

Shaper Family -

I'm so sorry for your loss. Coach Bob was a significant part of my life when I played Mustangs. I lost my father at a young age and desperately needed a role model that would be a positive influence, and instill discipline/respect. Coach Bob along with several other coaches in the Mustangs organization, LITERALLY saved my life. Without a doubt, Mustang football was my "therapy". Through some of the tough internal challenges I had as a kid, he held me accountable and didn't allow me to make excuses for mistakes. All the while, he consistently showed how proud he was with his subtle (sometimes passionate) demeanor. Today, I carry those same discipline/accountability principles with my family and am proud to be part of his life.

On other (fun) note, he convinced me to try playing free safety in 7th grade. I thought it was a joke, until I became very comfortable with the position. Then I gave it a shot in high school and received several honors playing free safety. (I think he realized at a young age that my "therapy" was hitting people).

Thanks for your dedication and commitment to your passion. It changed my life!

Bob White

June 5, 2016

My earliest memory of Bobby was going to watch him play at St. Xavier with my father, 38 years ago. He was one of the first people at my fathers wake. A great man and a great friend. He will be missed.

Miki Price

June 5, 2016

I am so sorry for you loss

Bud and Kitty Vancina

June 5, 2016

We were out of town when we heard about Bob. We felt so bad that we couldn't be here for the wake and funeral. What a shock .. way too young. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Schaper family.

william and Linda white

June 5, 2016

Our deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of Bobs'. God Bless you. Love, the Whites.

Nels Mitchel

June 4, 2016

For six years, our lives were completely wrapped around the Mustangs Football program.
These were our four boys' formative years. What does it mean to be a man? Sports are a great tool to learn that lesson. And, Coach Bob would constantly work on that message. I would hear it in the practice wrap-ups, the post-game talks. Win or lose, I heard the life lessons he was teaching. Our boys heard the lessons too.

One of my favorite Bob moments that we have laughed about many times since. The Heavyweights were fighting for the National Championship and down 22-8 at halftime. After 17 wins, the perfect season was in serious jeopardy. We ran into each other in the bathroom standing side by side at the urinals. He broke the silence. As we both stared at the wall, he quipped As my Dad would say, we got them right were we want them! We both laughed all the way out the door.

I believe it takes a village to raise a child. In New Lenox, the Mustangs provided that village under the leadership of Bob and your family. Thank you for your love for our community and our family. Bob, you will be forever remembered and celebrated in the Mitchel family.

Jeff Schley

June 4, 2016

I can tell by reading all the memories from dozens of others how sad this news was and I certainly share in the sadness. Coach Schaper was the hitting coach at PCHS while I played there in the early 90's. As many of you in the community remember Coach Schaper used to have hitting camps in the gym at PCHS in the evenings in the spring and had the players help. He was appreciative of us helping as it was probably how he got a few dollars which was well deserved in coaching us.

He offered to stay as late as we wanted to feed us granada wiffle balls and soft toss. I was a junior I remember and liked to hit so I stayed one night until 10:15, almost 2 hours after the camp closed. It was me and him for the last hour that night and it was a magical experience for me. Great role model in being there when a player needed you, it built the trust and bond that would last the rest of his days.

Thanks Coach for being there for me, and in being a role model for young players exemplifying unselfishness and support. Gone but not forgotten.

God bless,
Jeff Schley

Richard Holba

June 4, 2016

So sorry.Bob will be missed.He contributed to help young children and adults so many ways.

Eddie Ewing

June 4, 2016

My prayers are with the Schaper family. It's been a long time, but one of my first memories is winning the Shetland championship at St. Joe's. The many seasons after that, Allstars, upper deck, mustangs. I'll always remember the great times I had as a kid playing baseball and growing up in New Lenox with Mr. Schaper around. He was a great man.

Dave & Mary Jo Carroll

June 3, 2016

We are so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was an amazing man, inside and out. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family and many friends.

MATTHEW SLATTERY

June 3, 2016

For almost 40 yrs you were a friend of the family and I. You always had a minute to talk any time our paths crossed. Thanks. Bob R.I.P. my friend, you will be greatly missed. I'm a better person for knowing you.

Marilyn Robertson

June 3, 2016

Jan, Lynn, and children
So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Remembering all the good times at the ballgames too many years ago. So lovely Bobby picked up Ron's coaching gene.
Too soon...so sorry.
Marilyn Robertson ( Tom's mom )

June 3, 2016

Nora Engelman

A wonderful man!

Larry Zordan

June 3, 2016

It saddens me to hear of another classmate of 1975 leaving us. Bob was a great guy, no, more than that he was a good friend. We shared much time together in the years immediately after graduation and occasionally crossed paths over the years. I pray that your family will stay as strong as possible while dealing with this tragedy. We will see you on the other side, Peace be the journey.....

James Kollman

June 3, 2016

To the Schaper family my deepest sympathy on Bob's passing. Bob just recently contacted me about coach Schapers Memorial June 24th. It brought back many memories. I'm sure that the both of them will find someone and something to coach in the great place where they're at.VMzPP

frances wallar wilson

June 3, 2016

Bob was my cousin and although we were not together a lot, we still respected him and know that he was loved by many and influenced many lives. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Because we know the "Papa" Schaper memorial was dear to him, we will honor his memory in that way.

Fran and John Wilson

Perry Fonseca

June 3, 2016

Bobby was a great guy. I played ball with Bobby at Ingalls Park Pony League we were both on the same team. You have my deepest sympathy on your loss may God watch over Bob as he passes the gates of heaven.

Melissa Haney

June 3, 2016

I met Bob almost 6 years ago when my oldest son started playing for the Mustangs. My oldest was on the Heavyweight team for 3 years and had the honor of being coached by Bob. He was more than a coach though, he was a mentor, he saw things in my son that my son didn't see in himself. Between training on the field and private conversations we had off the field, Bob taught my son life lessons that changed my boy and helped him become the self-confident, strong, person he is today. Bob was a selfless, motivating, tough when needed, dedicated coach and a great man! My two younger boys couldn't wait to make it to the Heavyweight team to have Coach Bob as their coach too. Bob always had a smile and a big hug for us. He always took the time to talk to my boys and all of the kids that looked up to him. Our community lost a great man! The upcoming season will not be the same without him, but my boys have all said they're going to play their hearts out to make Coach Bob proud of them. Knowing how Bob's passing has upset my family, I can only imagine the heartache Bob's family is dealing with and you are all in my prayers. Rest in peace, Bob...until we meet again.

Linda Roy

June 3, 2016

My prayers and sympathies to all of Bob's family. He was a class act from the time I knew him at L-W, where I was a counselor and coach, to the time he served as my insurance man. When I saw him over the years, he'd talk lovingly of his family;it was obvious that they meant the world to him. Ethical, caring man who was an outstanding example of what a Christian should be. He was a blessing to those fortunate enough to have known him.

James Skiniotes Jr.

June 3, 2016

It's hard to believe that Bobby is gone. As kids we spent a lot of time together playing back yard Baseball, Football, Soccer, Basketball, and most any other game that was in season on a daily basis. I remember how proud he was the day his dad hit a home run in a minor league baseball game, as we rounded up every kid in the neighborhood to play baseball in my uncle Nick Skiniotes' back yard. One day his dad started loading all of us into the back of his $200.00 pickup truck and kept driving until it was full- that was the first New Lenox Mustangs Pee Wee Team, and of course Bobby was the QB. You could always count on going to "Schapes" house to get the bag of baseballs, bats, and gloves, and round up everyone for a short game of 8 hours, Lynn, and all the neighborhood girls included too! Title IX may have been invented on Spector Rd. because everyone played together.

Bobby, we all will miss you, and you and your family are in our prayers.

May your memory be eternal!

Skins

Nancee Sondergaard-Furlan

June 2, 2016

Bob was a great guy. Enjoyed our friendship/sports at LWHS! Sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.

Dr. Robert K Jenkins

June 2, 2016

Condolences, sympathy and prayers are extended to the entire family. Enjoyed Bobby as s student at Oakview Jr. High. He has made significant contributions to so many young people during his lifetime. God bless his memory.

Paula Bachmann

June 2, 2016

My heartfelt deepest sympathy to Bob's family & friends. I've known Bob & his family since kindergarten and had the pleasure of being in class together the next 12 years. He was raised by one of the most giving & respected families in New Lenox. The result - a very caring and respected man that will be missed by all that know him. Whenever I ran into Bob, he always had time for a conversation and a smile. Bob - you truly are the perfect example of a good man and those that know you are better off for it. Rest in peace

Phil Culinovic

June 2, 2016

I was shocked to hear of Bobs passing Please know I am thinking of everyone and praying for you too I hadn't seen Bob for many years and I ran into him about a year ago in New Lenox He had been my Insurance man for years and my Dear Friends son-in-law (Larry) May he rest in peace.

Tim and Margaret Camp

June 2, 2016

We worked with Bob for many years. He was a great guy, and would do anything for you. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob...Rest in Peace.

Nora Boldrey, Engelman

June 2, 2016

Bob, thank you for taking the time to coach (you and Papa) my son and grandson thru the years. You never gave up on the kids.You were a great influence on them both. They both turned out to be fine young men! Thank you again!

Dave Elliott

June 2, 2016

I am so sorry I will be praying for all of you Bob was one of thr Best Football coaches i knew.You will be missed.

Michael Murray

June 2, 2016

Thank you for everything Bob, you will be greatly missed! Rest In Peace.

Carolyn (Riley) Dailey

June 2, 2016

My heart is heavy. The LW community has lost one of its best. Prayers for Bob's family.

Cindy Falejczyk

June 2, 2016

Our deepest prayers to the entire Schaper Family. Bob was a wonderful friend and coach to all 3 of my children. Having coached my son in football, following him through high school, and congratulating him with his recent college football acceptance, Bob cared for all these boys, past and present. He has coached my daughter in hitting lessons for the past 4 years, making her feel like she was "swinging a magic wand", and helping her successful send the ball over the centerfield fence many many times. I would text him to share her excitement. And he just recently started giving my little guy batting lessons, in fact, Bob was at his game this past Saturday watching his student bat live. There will forever be a special place in our hearts for Bob, and today we wish him eternal peace! Thank-you for sharing him with our family! I know he will remain in our hearts forever. Hannah and I will look up every time the ball clears the fence, and give him a littl smirk! We know he will still be watching!

Brianna Hickey

June 2, 2016

Whether I'm watching a game or playing, you'll always be with me! Mike to Ike!
You will truly be missed!

Brian and Sarah White

June 2, 2016

Bob's dedication to and ability to see the potential in all of the kids he coached and mentored through the years will be his lasting legacy. He really knew how to relate to kids and be the kind, tough, motivational coach they needed to bring out their best. As a caring friend and our boys' football coach, he will be forever remembered. I hope the future of youth athletics and the kids he has coached through the years will continue to blossem by channeling Bob's spirit of volunteerism and dedication to our community. Thank you Bob for all you have done, we will miss you.

Kathy Ewing

June 2, 2016

My heart goes out to the entire Schaper Family. I have so many fond memories of Bob. He was a great guy. I will be praying for your family.

Phil Adair

June 2, 2016

To the Schaper & Plarski Families,
What a BIG loss to you and the rest of the community. He will be missed by everyone because Bob touched so many in his short time. As one who worked with Bob with the Mustangs and Wolfpac I know how generous he was with his time to make the community a better one. He definitely followed the lead of his father Ron Papa Schaper who was the leader who started the Mustang Football program. His presence definitely made New Lenox proud. Our sincere sympathies are with you all in your loss.
Phil and Bev Adair

Don Lindberg

June 2, 2016

Words cannot adequately express the sadness I feel on hearing of Bob's passing. So many memories of us back in the halls of Lincoln-Way HS, especially with singing in the Choir. To see all the notes of others memories from people Bob has touched over the years are a testament to his character and his legacy. He will certainly be missed. To the Shaper family I pray that you can find God's peace and comfort as noted by the Apostle Paul in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Joe Lohmar

June 2, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Schaper family on the loss of Bob. May your fond memories outweigh your grief. The world will be less of a place without Bob. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend.

Wayne Orkwiszewski

June 2, 2016

Bob I've only known you for 3 years but in that short time I found you to be a great guy. We are all saddened at your early departure. May you res in peace my friend. Chewy

jeff balogh

June 2, 2016

So sorry to hear of Bobs passing, prayers with your family.b

Steve & Kathy Molyneaux

June 2, 2016

So sorry to hear about Bob's unexpected passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Schaper family during this difficult time.

Arunas Bendoraitis

June 2, 2016

Our condolences on your loss. Bob will surely be missed around our community. It has been a pleasure/honor to know such a nice family person who gave us so much of his time back to the community. Prayers for the entire Schaper family.

Laura Coffey

June 2, 2016

I have so many fond memories of Bob as a softball coach of my daughter, Lauren. He was dedicated to helping her out and so many other children within the community. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and pray you know God's peace

Margie Delorme

June 2, 2016

You were such kind hearted wonderful man. I will never forget you and you will always be in my heart. Rest is peace sweet man.

Marie Schwab

June 2, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. We all lost a amazing man. Bob was truely one of the nicest, kindest and thoughtful person I have ever known. We spent many years on the softball field with our girls. He always had a kind word and a quick smile. He was always quick to give Carissa a suggestion if he saw her struggling. It didn't matter that we were on the other team. He will be missed by many.

Kathleen Neumann Giffin

June 2, 2016

I'm very sorry for your great loss. My prayers go out to your family

Lynne & Gil Tumey

June 2, 2016

Our heartfelt sympathy to Bob's family.We will pray that God will give you strength at this difficult time.Much love Aunt Lynne & Uncle Gil

Patti Cruise

June 2, 2016

Sorry for the loss of Bob . Worked with him at DK and my husband knew him well. Truly a Great man that will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.

Darlene Koris

June 2, 2016

Sincere condolences to your family.

Georgann Mackin

June 1, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Schaper family. Bob made such a positive impact on our community, he will be sorely missed . I know I will miss seeing his friendly face around town and especially at Chicago Dough. I will remember our conversations about our shared love for golf fondly. RIP Bob.

Dan Rogers

June 1, 2016

RIP Coach. You Demanded our Best & we were glad to give it with you leading us. Dan Rogers,New Lenox Mustang of 1981-84

Brian and Alyse Cull

June 1, 2016

Though words mean so little, we hope that our thoughts and prayers for you and the entire Schaper Family will comfort you at this time. Rob was a man of superior quality. His legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. We are so sincerely sorry for your loss.

Kristin Rhoads

June 1, 2016

One of the most honest, real, kind people I have ever been blessed to know. Rest in peace Bob, you will be missed.

Randy Clemons

June 1, 2016

Sincerely sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Having worked with Bob for 9 years at D-k, I was privileged to call him my friend. R.I.P. Bob, you were one of the good guys.

Monica Vogelmann Carrascoso

June 1, 2016

Dear Lynn and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and good wishes are with you in this difficult time.

Alice Peterson (Romine)

June 1, 2016

Mrs. Schaper. Lynn, and family - I became very sad when I heard of Bob's passing. I remember Bob all my childhood - we went to school together, I used to come over when Pat Bally would come over for a visit. Bob was always kind and very athletic. It has been a long time since I lived in New Lenox. Reading the comments and story of his life makes me glad - glad that a nice boy turned into a nice man and left a mark on New Lenox. It is not the mark you leave on your life that counts - it is the mark left on other's life. Bob left a huge mark on the lives of kids all over New Lenox. I pray the peace of God comforts you in your loss.

Greg and Debby Heckler

June 1, 2016

Our hearts are breaking for all of you. So many years of our family friendship all the way back to all our parents being friends before we were born, being an original mustang player on that 1st team, our friendship and forward to our own kids being friends.Too many memories to list but please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers for all the days ahead. With heavy hearts we send our love. The entire Heckler/Ayres family

Steve White

June 1, 2016

Wonderful person, always around kids of all ages. Attitude was stellar. Around the Mustangs, keeping things flowing nicely, always a kind word.
Brian & Daniel, Mustangs players of the highest order were very glad to have been coached by Bob.
Most recently, he took my 8-yr grandson, a lover of baseball, into the very next,next,next level hitting, and tearing the cover off the ball. Sent goosebumps all over me. Bob was so good at putting the right thoughts into Maxwell's head, that at his games, one can really see the level he plays at, and the smile gives you the sense the he is really having fun. Without Bob, this would never have happened.
I will miss seeing Bob at Charm and around and about.
May he rest in PEACE, and he is I my thoughts and prayers.

Sherry Noble

June 1, 2016

To the Schaper Family I am shock to hear about the death of Bob. I worked with him at Deaton Kennedy and Messenger for many years. He always talked about his family and his love of sports. He touched many lives and will be remembered by all the lives that he touched. May the many memories you have of Bob be the fondest treasures you hold close to your heart. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Mary Lohmar

June 1, 2016

So sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with of all of you. Remembering all the good times our families shared together. Bob was a great influence in our lives.

Ken and Joan Slattery

June 1, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing, and feel blessed to have known him and shared many good times with him. We will remember him, and all the family in our prayers. Ken & Joan

Katie (Dylan) Tamosiunas (Brand)

June 1, 2016

This came as such a shock. My prayers are with the family. What a great man who will never be forgotten.

Jim Stewart

June 1, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers to the Schaper family! It was an honor and pleasure to have known both Bob and Papa through the SWMFL. Always a true competitor, but more than that a a true gentleman and class guy. He will surely be missed. The Stewart Family Mokena Burros.

marcy adams

June 1, 2016

DEAR LINDA AND FAMILY.. MY MOST DEEPEST SORROW TO YOUR FAMILY....YOU ALWAYS TREATED ME WITH SO MUCH LOVE......WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.......MUCH LOVE TO YOU.. AND THE KIDS.... BOB AND MARCY.

Nancy Wieder

June 1, 2016

So sad to hear of Bob's passing. What a wonderful man who will be truely missed.

Tina Eckhart

June 1, 2016

Sending our love and sympathies to Bob's family and friends, such a great loss of a loving, caring, sweetheart. Bob was always there for all of us at Deaton Kennedy. Bob will be missed greatly, such sad news of his passing. Bob always had a smile on his face and would lighten up the room just by his presence.

Loving you my friend Bob, may you rest in peace!

Sharon Lopez

June 1, 2016

Deepest condolences for your families loss. Bob was a wonderful mentor to so many!

Barb Rudin

June 1, 2016

Mrs. Schaper and Lynn, so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You and Bob's family will be in my prayers.

Barb Rudin

Tom Robertson

June 1, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Bob's extended family at such a sad time. Recalling happier times 50 years ago, in the bygone days when baseball coaches coached other people's kids rather than their own, Bob's dad was my Little League coach & one of the great guys. Ron was probably tougher on Bob than he was on any of us just to be sure everyone knew that it was your ability and not your parent that determined your success. Boys' baseball is the poorer for the loss of those old school coaches. By all accounts, Bob followed his dad in that pursuit. I wish you all peace in the knowledge that those of us who knew Bob when we were all just kids will never forget him.

Liz Lyman

June 1, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to the Schaper and Plarski families. Bob will be missed by the Lyman family. We have had a lot of good times through out the years and some sad times. Bob I will never forget telling you every single time you came for a massage to tie your shoes when you were leaving. So tie your shoes until we meet again to my favorite bags partner!

Belin Cruz

June 1, 2016

So sorry for your loss; Bob had such an impact on the community and he especially had a special place in the heart of my son Robert Cruz. Thanks Bob for all the encouragement, support and love you showed my son. It saddens me to hear of his passing; my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Steven Hackett

June 1, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to the family. Bob was a friend and a good man. He will be missed.

Ed Wendler

June 1, 2016

R. I. P. My dear friend. We always had a great time and the best day was when you called me and said, "I have a crazy idea let's start a girls fast pitch program. Are you in?" The rest is History you were a great coach and friend. God Bless and remember play a little ball and eat a little of food!!!

Donna Skiniotes

June 1, 2016

Our condolences on your loss. Bob will surely be missed. Prayers for the entire Schaper family.

Mike Maslowski

June 1, 2016

Both Pops and Bob were the core of youth athletics in our community. They were such a positive way influenced for so many of our kids. They ran great volunteer organizations and gave freely of their time and themselves.

My family offers prayers and sympathy to Bob's entire family during this difficult time.

Karen Manthey (Bohnen)

June 1, 2016

I am so deeply saddened by your loss. He was such a kind man who will be missed terribly.

Ken Duda

June 1, 2016

Grannie, Linda, Lynn and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He will be missed by many. The times spent with Bob and Ron together through the years coaching and as friends will always be very fond memories for me. Prayers and all my best to each of you in this hard time.

Showing 1 - 76 of 76 results