Reverend Robert Dean Schuler

REVEREND ROBERT DEAN SCHULER The Reverend Robert Dean Schuler, age 91, passed away on September 6, 2025, in Mentor, Ohio. A gifted theologian, devoted pastor, and cherished mentor, he shaped the lives of countless parishioners, colleagues, friends, and family through his wisdom, warmth, and deep sense of vocation. Robert Schuler was born June 13, 1934, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to the late Herbert George and Alma Schuler. He married Barbara Ann Brandt from Fargo, North Dakota, on September 9, 1956, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo. Robert graduated from Concordia College, River Forest, IL, in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Education. He went on to teach at St. John's Lutheran School in Forest Park, IL, from 1957 to 1963. In 1963, he accepted a call as teacher and principal at Trinity Lutheran School in Manchester, MO, where he served until 1969. During this time, he enrolled in Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO, where he earned a second master's degree, this time in Theology in 1968. Robert Schuler was ordained as a Missouri Synod Lutheran minister in 1969 and accepted a call to northwest Ohio, where he served two parishes: Zion Lutheran Church in Willshire, OH, and St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ohio City, OH, until 1982. Pastor Schuler then accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Willoughby, OH, where he served until retiring in 2017 at the age of 82. During his many years in Willoughby, Rev. Schuler was also an active member of the community. In addition to his involvement with the Ohio District - Missouri Synod, he served churches with pastor vacancies, was an active member of the Rotary Club of Willoughby, and was a chaplain at local hospitals for 15 years. People loved Pastor Schuler's beautiful voice in church services as well as his positive and uplifting messages delivered in his sermons. He was a warm and kind person; people were drawn to him and wanted to be around him. Bob laughed easily and had a good sense of humor. He loved his wife and family and enjoyed spending time with them. His children often talk about what a wonderful listener he was. Most importantly, he loved the Lord. One of his favorite Bible verses was, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Rev. Robert Schuler is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Schuler, his six children: Paul (Regina) Schuler of Denver, Colorado, Martha Schuler of Evergreen, Colorado, Mary (Kim) Scott of Denver, Colorado, David (Debbie) Schuler of Woodstock, Georgia, Ruth (John) Huffman of Lima, Ohio, and John Schuler of North Olmsted, Ohio, twelve grandchildren: Hannah, Joey, Christi, JK, Charlie, Robbie, Anna, Sarah, Emily, Sarah, Mary and Jack, and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Donald Schuler. The family will receive friends to celebrate Rev. Schuler's life from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral service to honor him will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 44077. Interment will be in Mentor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio 44077. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.