Robert Joseph Schwob

Robert "Bob" Schwob, age 85, passed away on April 5, 2026, at home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with family by his side. Born in St. Peter, Minnesota, Bob grew up in neighboring Le Sueur, where his lifelong fascination with the natural world first took root. He graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1962 with a degree in Biology and Natural Sciences. He later earned a master's degree from Bemidji State University. Bob met Margaret "Peg" Connelly while both were teaching in Minneapolis, and they married in 1964. Their partnership was one of deep loyalty, shared curiosity, and a mutual love of learning and exploration. They raised three sons, Christopher, Mark, and David, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Bob shared his love of nature with his family by organizing hiking, canoeing, and skiing trips in northern Minnesota and summer road trips to national parks and monuments across the United States and Canada. He and Peg later traveled extensively, enjoying extended hiking adventures in Europe and New Zealand. On camping trips with his sons and eight grandkids, Papa Bob entertained with stories of trips past and gave advice on everything from knot tying to camp etiquette. An educator at heart, Bob brought the natural world to life for generations of learners. For 34 years, he taught biology, anatomy, and earth sciences at Itasca Community College (now Minnesota North College - Itasca Campus) in Grand Rapids. He initiated and volunteered with community education programs for youth through seniors. Outside the classroom, Bob was still educating; he delighted in revealing the hidden details of everyday plants, highlighting geological features others might overlook, and pointing out constellations in the night sky. Bob was deeply engaged in the Grand Rapids community, serving on the Library Board, contributing to numerous church committees, and participating in the local theater community. He had many long-standing friends, with whom he enjoyed hiking trips in Glacier National Park, fishing excursions, and gourmet dinner club gatherings. Having fun was important to Bob. He had an impish sense of humor (delightfully inappropriate on occasion) and a gift for a well-timed joke. At home, he was known for the satisfaction he took in skunking someone in a game of cribbage and for his participation in family roughhousing - both instigating and refereeing. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Schwob, and brothers Thomas and John. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peg; sons Christopher (Amy), Mark (Judy), and David (Lynn); grandchildren Alena, Abbey, Vaughan, Aidan, Henry, Connor, Mara, and Andrew; and sister Mary Jo Shaver. The family extends their gratitude to those who provided care to Bob on his journey: Dr. John Seng and the staff at Minnesota Oncology, and the staff of Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care. Their expertise, support, and compassion were a comfort to Bob and his family. Please join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2914 W. 44th Street, Minneapolis. Memorials may be directed to: St. John's Abbey Woodworking - Attn: Fr. Lew Grobe, O.S.B., 2900 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville, MN 56321 Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care, https://ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/ A charity of your choice.

Robert Joseph Schwob

October 19, 1940 - April 5, 2026

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