Bob Schwanke

August 26, 1930 - June 16, 2021

Bob Schwanke (age 90), Sunnyside Village, Sarasota, passed 6/16/2021. Bob was born August 26, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Milwaukee and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army 1948-49 and 1950-52. He attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated with a BS, Business Degree. Upon graduating he and Rita, who he met at Univ of Wisconsin were married. They raised their family of 3 children in Milwaukee and Decatur, Illinois. Bob was employed by General Electric, Arthur Andersen in Milwaukee, and A.E. Staley Mfg in Decatur as their CFO and Staley Board Director. While in Decatur, Bob served as Chairman of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, President of the Country Club of Decatur, President of Decatur Swim Club, Director of IL State Chamber of Commerce, Director of Webster Cantrell Hall (youth development organization), and Treasurer of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Bob retired from Staley in 1988 and with Rita, moved to Florida where they lived in The Meadows for 4 years, and the University Park Country Club for 22 years. They moved to Sunnyside Village in November, 2014. While living at UPCC, he served as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Elder of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. At Sunnyside, Bob and Rita enjoyed and benefited from the services and activities of the Sunnyside Chapel. Bob also served as treasurer of the Sunnyside Village Store. Bob was both serious and silly. Serious when it came to his work, finances, and serving his family and others. Silly when it came to playing pranks on Rita, hide-and-go-seek with grandkids, and jumping into the pool with his clothes on as a surprise. Bob and Rita shared a healthy balance between family and friends. They were known for their creatively-themed parties they would host with their party group. Many strong friendships were made over the years along with a multitude of fond memories. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest. Bob loved others well. There wasn’t a single person he didn’t highly value. From a neighborhood boy with Down’s syndrome to Jimmy Carter, he gave everyone his attention, kindness and service. He modeled the greatest lesson of life: how to treat others. Bob and Rita were happily married for 65 years and thoroughly enjoyed hosting family for numerous gatherings at Sunnyside. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rita, 3 children, Jean Kelly (Mike) CO, Curt (Shellie) IL & Ryan (Adrianne) TX, 9 grandchildren, Sarah (Saint) Wesonga CO, Christine (Brian) Carney CO, Dan Kelly CO, Lauren (David) Badger CO, Katie (Chris) Crawford IL & Kayla, Kenya, Kris & Kai Schwanke TX, & 4 great-grandchildren Micah, Lincoln, Revie & Naomi CO. Also surviving are nephews and nieces as well as numerous friends. Memorial service will be Friday, August 13th, at 10:30 am at Sunnyside Chapel, 5201 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, FL 34232. Live stream instructions— go to sunnysidevillage.org / click on the “Media” tab / scroll down to the “Watch Live” link. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated and may be sent to: Sunnyside Foundation, 5201 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, FL 34232