I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
2 Timothy 4:7

Bob began his earthly marathon on December 9, 1937 in Highland, IL the 3rd of 4 sons of Charles and Loraine (Welchlen) Schwarz. He joined his 2 older brothers Paul and Bill on the farm just west of Grantfork and his younger brother, Len, arrived 2.5 years later. The boys were expected to do chores before breakfast and after school; when they were toddlers, they were occasionally placed in milk cans to “occupy” them during milking. There was no indoor plumbing, and they took hot bricks to bed to keep them warm on the unheated second floor. They walked to their one-room schoolhouse 1/2 mile down the road (yes sometimes in the snow), most of the other students being their Schwarz cousins. Bob finished his grade school (7th and 8th grade) education at St. Paul’s Catholic School in Highland. Due to his strong faith, Bob attended St. Henry’s Seminary in Belleville for grades 9-11. His roommate and friend later became Bishop Cardinal George of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Not convinced of his calling, Bob completed his senior year and graduated from St. Paul’s in Highland.

Besides farm work, Bob began the working part of his marathon at Wick’s Organ Company but since he wanted to go to college, he enlisted in the Air Force. While home on leave from Texas, Bob went on a blind double-date with a friend. A coin was flipped, and he “won” Miss Gloria Bloemker, daughter of Alvin and Inez Bloemker of Highland. She was a “city” girl, but sparks flew! 3 months later, Bob’s friend, Sam Schwarztrauber arrived on the Bloemker steps with Bob’s class ring in his hand! For the next 3 years they “dated” via letters and only spent 5 days together (chaperoned of course) before Bob proposed. They were married on the cold blustery day of January 3, 1959. Two days later, Bob boarded a military plane to France and his bride joined him days later. They lived on base in a trailer and Gloria tells wonderful stories about cooking for groups of friends and fellow soldiers on a hot plate. They made many lifelong friends. They traveled on weekends and leaves, and they heard Pope John XXXIII celebrate mass at his summer home Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. On December 9, 1959, they joyfully welcomed their first son, Rob. Upon discharge, the little family returned to Highland to begin the next part of Bob’s race.

The middle of the race saw Bob begin his work at Basler Electric in Highland as he and Gloria welcomed their 2nd son, John. He also began going to night school at SIU in East St. Louis and completed his bachelor’s degree in business at the Edwardsville campus. They welcomed their only daughter, Pat, in 1963. He began a new job at Emerson Electric in St. Louis and he and Gloria took pride in exposing their children to all the cultural and historical venues in St. Louis. Laid off from Emerson during the energy crisis in the early 70’s, Bob began his career as an internal auditor for the State of Illinois first at Public Aid and then at CMS. Major problem: it was in Springfield Illinois. Determined not to disrupt his children’s education and idyllic childhoods, Bob commuted back and forth (90 miles one way) every day for 9 years. To make up for his lack of time at home, he and Gloria “road tripped” with their children on many vacations in the family station wagon. Many trips involved camping only occasionally splurging at a fancy Holiday Inn. Bob also participated in many boy scouting activities with a highlight of hiking with his two boys at Philmont in New Mexico. He also was an active Jaycee and was an original member of the St. Paul’s Kirchenfest planning committee. Bob also began tracing his family genealogy, visiting courthouses, churches and cemeteries.

While working in Springfield, Bob befriended several runners who ran in a local park during lunch. He became HOOKED. On Saturdays, his kids would find notes with the locations and times they were supposed to pick him up from a run. He increased his mileage and he and Gloria started traveling to marathon locations including Boston, Disney World, Paris and London. He ran a marathon in 38 states and his goal was to complete one in each state. He and Gloria also became grandparents (their best role ever) to Jason and Megan (Timmermann) Schwarz from John and his first wife (Shari Hagler); Jennifer (Wellen) and Kyle Schwarz from Rob and Barb (Porter), and Mollie (Townsend) Kugler and Nathan Townsend from Pat and Mark Townsend. They took their grandchildren on many wonderful vacations (usually all 6 at a time) to watch Grandpa Bob run. Bob loved being a grandpa and later great grandpa and he excelled at it. He also accumulated “honorary” grandchildren through Gloria’s career as a mother’s helper. When asked by his children how they could ever repay he and Gloria, his response was always: JUST BE GOOD TO YOUR GRANDCHILDREN SOMEDAY!

In 1981 with their children out of high school, Bob and Gloria moved to Springfield. They purchased a home near his favorite park, and he befriended many runners who became like family. When he retired in 2002, he and Gloria built their dream home on the bluffs of Grafton, IL where he continued to run. He and Gloria befriended many locals and continued to travel. Bob adopted a white German Shepherd puppy, King, who he trained to become a therapy dog. Bob and King were well known in Grafton, running on the Great River Road, and they visited many hospitals and extended care facilities spreading joy. On his 70th birthday Bob ran the Honolulu Marathon and Gloria surprised him by flying Rob, John, and Pat to cheer him on. During that race, he noticed pain and weakness in his left hip. After medical testing, Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and his marathon days were over. All told, he ran a total of 65 marathons. He continued to run/walk 5 and 10K’s, his favorite race being the St. Paul’s Kirchenfest Straussenlauf back in Highland. He was thrilled as many of his grandchildren (and by now) great grandchildren would run the race with him. His great grandchildren include Harleigh and Braelynn Wellen, Eli and Addy Timmermann, Griffin and Eleanor Kugler, Max Townsend, and Jake, Drew, Drake, Lila, and Charlie Schwarz. He and Gloria are also privileged to have many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren via John’s second marriage to Lisa. Every one of them being Bob’s true joy!

The final and certainly most difficult leg of Bob’s marathon of earthly life began when he and Gloria moved back to Highland, or as the family calls it: God’s Country. He relied on his strong Catholic faith to journey forwards. They continued to travel with family and friends, spoil their great grandchildren, and re-connect with old friends. One highlight was fishing in Alaska with son John and grandsons Jason and Nathan. Bob joined the Knights of Columbus and participated in many of their activities, reaching the level of 4th degree. He began Rock Steady Boxing to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and even helped start the spinning program at the Korte Rec Center geared specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Unfortunately, due to further physical impairments from Parkinson’s Disease and by now early dementia, Bob started to live in several assisted living facilities/memory care venues in and around Highland. Gloria visited daily and attended to many of his needs, even bringing him Holy communion and by now their little white Maltichon, Buddy. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in January of 2024. He finished his earthly marathon crossing the finish line into the gates of heaven on Saturday, May 27th with Gloria by his side (as always).

Besides the family mentioned above, Bob is survived by his brother-in-law, Darvin Bloemker (wife Delores) and sisters-in-law Marge (Paul), Carol (Bill), and Jean (Len) Schwarz. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Paul, sisters-in-law Gwen and Peggy Schwarz and beloved nephew Steve Schwarz and niece Barb Schwarz. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends who are like family.

Bob has now begun his heavenly marathon. With Jesus by his side, it will surely be the easiest. He will be remembered for his smile, quick wit, kindness, charity, loyalty and the deep love of his family and friends. His generosity will be remembered by the donation of his brain to the Parkinson’s Disease Association via Washington University in St. Louis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his beloved St. Paul’s Parish in Highland, IL. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Aspen Creek in Troy for their amazing care and affection for Bob. His very special caregiver, Blessing Owens will always be a part of the family. They would also like to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois, especially Bob’s nurse Jane.

Family and friends may pay their respects as follows: visitation at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL on Thursday, May 30th from 4-8pm and again on Friday, May 31st from 10:00 - 11:45 am. Funeral mass at 12:00pm on Friday, May 31st with burial of his ashes immediately following at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Highland.

In honor of Bob, go out and be the best person you can be.