Robert L. Schram

Robert (Bob) L. Schram, 88, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at The Cottages at Emmanuel Community, Detroit Lakes, MN. He was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Bob was born on July 26, 1922, the son of Jeremiah and Anna (Rudolph) Schram in Lakeview Township, rural Becker County. He was raised on the family farm and received his education at Lakeview Township Country School, District 20. As a young adult he continued to help on the family farm until joining the Civilian Conservation Corps in Montana. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served through the duration of World War II. He was deployed to Alaska and participated in the Aleutian Campaign and the Battle of Attu. Upon completion of the campaign in Alaska, he was reassigned to training camps and spent the rest of his military service in Arkansas and Florida preparing soldiers for combat. At the end of the war, Bob was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant. Bob was united in marriage to Betty Sandberg on June 18, 1949 at Christ Lutheran Church in Kent, MN. He and Betty settled in Detroit Lakes where Bob built a career as a plumber for Robert Gibb and Sons Plumbing for many years. During his retirement, he served as custodian at Zion Lutheran Church. Bob spent sixty-one devoted and happily married years to Betty. He enjoyed hunting with his son and grandsons and was always there for his children's and grandchildren's athletic and musical activities. He will be remembered for clapping the loudest and being the last one to stop. Bob treasured the quiet moments with Betty, family gatherings, and the memories that were created through his family. His life's greatest legacy is the love and dedication he had for his wife and family. Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Schram of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Richard (Lynn) Schram of Detroit Lakes, MN; four daughters, Julie (Jim) Peters of Perham, MN; Nancy (Lee) Brekke of Detroit Lakes, MN; Lou Ann (Dave) Henderson of Woodbury, MN; Bonnie (Rich) Seebold of Detroit Lakes, MN; sixteen grandchildren, Aaron (Holly), Jason (Paige), Nathan, and Ryan Schram; Elizabeth (fiance, Eric Schaefer), Caroline, and Alison Engel; Rob and Ethan Brekke; Isabelle and Lila Henderson; Chase Halvorson; Jacob, Brianna, Emily, and Trey Seebold; three great-grandchildren, Sadie and Laney Schram and Carter Brekke; numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and siblings- Ann Dahlin, Florence Anderson, Floyd Schram, Isabelle Green, Ed Schram, Clare Schram, Lawrence Schram, Peggy Nertney, Lila Robertson, and Ruby Sandberg.