Robert "Bob" J. Schutz

Robert “Bob” J. Schutz May 14, 1946 – December 4, 2025 Robert “Bob” J. Schutz, 79, died peacefully on December 4, 2025, with his wife, Tracey, by his side.

Bob is survived by his adoring wife, Tracey (Jelstrom) Schutz; his brother, Jim (Nancy) Schutz; his children, Erin Alston, Lauren Alston, Hannah Rice (Rob), Jake Schutz, and Jenna Schutz; and his stepdaughter, Chelsey Blake (Alyssa). He was loved well by his grandchildren, especially the apple of his eye. Hunter, who was his constant companion. Camilio, Rio, Miles, Shiloh, Willa, and Tallulah. Bob is also survived by his brothers-inlaw Scott (Liz) Jelstrom, Greg (Tracy) Jelstrom, Peter Jelstrom, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Dillon; his parents, John and Vivian Schutz; and his sister, Anita Fragiacomo.

Bob was born in Irvington, New York. He attended Irvington High School and earned a basketball scholarship to St. Thomas University in Houston, Texas. He began his career in California before moving to Springfield, Missouri, to join Litton Industries in 1976 in marketing and sales. He was promoted to vice president and eventually became president of a division of Litton Industries, Interpact Electronics, growing that business from $900,000 to $92 million by 1998. After the company was acquired by Northrop Grumman, Bob became president of Litton Interpact Technologies, where he led the team in growing sales to $230 million. He retired in 2003.

A proud patriot, Bob lived his life with gratitude, integrity, and service to others. A devoted father, he supported his children in all their endeavors and especially cherished traveling to every basketball game his daughter Hannah played in during her Division II career at Westminster University. He took great pride in following his son Jake’s naval career and loved watching his daughter Jenna ride horses. As competitive dancers, Erin and Lauren enjoyed their father’s tireless support as they traveled across the country, later creating a spirited household rivalry between the University of Arkansas and the University of Missouri.

Our national parks were a special place Bob shared with his family, creating memories surrounded by the beauty of nature. His love affair with the sun and sea inspired him to build a home on Ambergris Caye, Belize, where he and Tracey enjoyed more than ten years in their cherished oasis.

Together since 2007, Bob and Tracey were married on December 29, 2008, and later married in the Catholic faith on September 19, 2009. They were deeply devoted to one another, partners in every sense of the word.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and quiet strength. Those who knew him will remember his sharp mind, generous heart, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Sauls Funeral Home, Bluffton, South Carolina, at 11:30 am on December 13, 2025. The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m., with a reception at River Bend immediately following. A memorial service will be held in January 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, with Catholic Mass and interment in Albany, New York, shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spirit of Sebastian Recovery.

As a friend of Bill W.'s for 34 years, Bob believed in doing the next right thing one day at a time.