Robert Schulte

Robert L. Schulte 1929 - 2024 Robert Lewis “Bob” Schulte, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, in Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounded by his family. He lived a remarkable 95 years, marked by his dedication to family, his career, and his community. Born near the start of the Great Depression, the son of Cora and Art Schulte of Topeka, Bob's journey was defined by hard work and perseverance. As the 1947 Class President of Topeka High School, he excelled both academically and athletically, playing on the state champion American Legion Mosby-Mack baseball team. His passion for soil conservation and agronomy led him to a MS in Agronomy in 1957 at Kansas State University. His research included crop inspections throughout Kansas, which contributed to the development of rust-resistant Kansas Hard Red Winter wheat under the mentorship of the renowned Dr. Elmer Heyne. Bob served his country as an officer in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War. Later, his 30-year career with the Statistical Reporting Service of the US Department of Agriculture, culminated in his role as Chief of the Crops Estimates Branch. The reports of this USDA branch impacted national and global commodity markets, and are vital to agricultural planning. His interesting, worthwhile career took him across the United States and internationally to Argentina and Saudi Arabia. After retiring, he led teams which completed the first scientifically-based agricultural censuses in Albania and Haiti. Throughout his career he earned the respect and admiration from colleagues, farmers and ranchers and others in agroindustries and government. In 1948, Bob met Betty Lou Stapleton in Spanish class at Washburn University. They married in December 1951 and enjoyed a remarkable 72-year marriage. Bob was a devoted family man, actively involved with his children in sports teams, YMCA Indian Guides, and emphasizing the importance of education and character-building. The Schulte family cherished many vacations across the USA and Canada. After retirement he and Betty enjoyed travel in the US and abroad, as well as dancing and socializing with their good friends. They volunteered as teaching assistants at elementary schools. Having met in Spanish class many years before, they took up intensive Spanish studies, which proved valuable for visiting grandchildren in Ecuador. Bob was also deeply committed to his faith. His parents, Art and Cora Schulte, were founding members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i Faith in Topeka, and Bob became a devoted Baha’i later in life. Bob is survived by his wife, Betty L. Schulte of Charlottesville, Virginia; his daughter, Nancy (Edward) Jackson of Spotsylvania; his son, Bruce (Sofia) Schulte of Blacksburg, Virginia; his brother, Keith Schulte (Alberta) of Hot Springs, South Dakota; and his nephew, Alan (Pat) Schulte, and their families. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Elizabeth (Marco) Chamberlin, James Chamberlin, Elodie Schulte, Delia Schulte, John Schulte, Hannah Schulte, and Robert Luis Schulte. A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life and legacy will be held on September 19 at Teague Funeral Service 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville in honor of Bob's lifelong commitment to kindness and compassion.