Obituary of Robert Leonard Schleufer
Robert “Bob” Leonard Schleufer (73) resident of Plummer, ID passed away at his home on July 16, 2024. He was born to Martin and Mary (Whistocken) Schleufer Sr. on June 20, 1951, in Spokane, WA. Robert’s family traveled around wherever there was work. He spent time in the Olympic Peninsula, Walla Walla, and Port Angeles to name a few. He attended school there but left before graduating.
Bob married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart Sherry Gesellchen on January 1, 1970, in Port Angeles. He held a few jobs to support his family; searching for better employment he decided to return to high school earning his diploma in 1971. Following obtaining his diploma, the Bureau of Indian Affairs helped him with trade school, and he was able to receive certification as an auto body mechanic. Bob worked for years for Chris Auto Body in Port Angeles. In March of 1980 the family moved to Spokane, WA. Bob worked for several auto body shops in Spokane over the years, and he enlisted into Spokane Community College with a goal of earning his AS Degree.
One of the most interesting jobs/hobbies Bob had, was his involvement with the Spokane Film Festival. He participated in special effects, props, and directing for small film makers throughout Spokane. He and Sherry also ran an in-home daycare for 30 years. A Jack of All Trades and a master of all of them, Bob was a talented handyman. He could create, invent, and build anything he could dream of. He even held a patent for one of his creations that was sold in several gift shops along the Pacific coast. In 2000 a severe illness forced him to slow down, so in March 2024 he decided he wanted to move near family in Plummer and return to the Coeur d’ Alene Indian Reservation.
Bob enjoyed fishing, crafting, creating, and building. He had a quick wit and didn’t know a stranger. He found joy in simple things and was a neighbor to many. Simply put, Bob just enjoyed life and he made the most out of it. He will be remembered for many things, but one thing in particular is his culinary skills. He could create just about anything in the kitchen. You may or may not want to eat it, but he tried and was proud to take care of his family.
Bob is survived by his wife Sherry at their home in Plummer; children Randall Schleufer (Holly Clark) of Spokane, WA, Robert Schleufer (Lucy Martinez) of Worley, ID, and Timothy Schleufer of Arizona; brother Martin Schleufer of Plummer, ID; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.
