Robert Alan Schellenberg

If you know Bob, you know he would not like the fact we are writing this; especially in the medium where he started his career, the local newspaper. Bob was a humble man, who rarely talked about himself, but lived an inspiring life worthy of memorializing.

Robert Alan Schellenberg passed away in what only he would call the “early morning” at 9:45 am on April 24, 2022. Known to few as Robert, Bob had a collection of nicknames, a symbol of his sense of humor and loving spirit. You might know him as T.Rex, Burbie, Uncle Dirty, Lord, Gnomie, or Mr. Potatohead, but the names he cherished most were Husband, Dad, and Apo (given to him by his granddaughter, Emma). Bob was married to his wife, Sheryl Daniels, for 39 loving years. But their love began over 50 years ago on a blind date, just after the two graduated high school in 1970. At that time Bob could be mistaken for one of his favorite musicians, Gregg Allman, with long blonde hair that made most women jealous.

Bob attended Southern Illinois University and continued his education at the Academy of Art in Chicago. He began his career as a graphic designer at Pioneer Press, creating layouts for the local newspaper while making lifelong friends. He later became an art director working for various marketing firms and creative agencies. Bob had the highest respect from his peers, friends, and family. For some, the respect came from his sensitive and thoughtful disposition. For many, it’s the quick-witted “Bob-ism” that anyone who knew Bob could immediately identify.

He had a laid-back, fun-loving spirit with interests that were vast, yet particular. Simply put, he loved what he loved. The right amount of milk in his tea. The perfectly adjusted color on his latest TV set. A perfectly cooked rare to medium-rare ribeye, unaided by any thermometer. Audio equipment that required ever-evolving cables, phono cartridges, spacing, power conditioners, and updating. And working on his two sons' school projects, mostly selecting fonts for book reports, and designing their dioramas and science fair boards.

As if two boys, a loving wife, and a mortgage weren’t enough excitement, Bob set out to start his own company in 1989, Robert Alan Design or RAD. Throughout his 34 years as a business owner, Bob was the only employee which made him a well-rounded businessman holding every position in the company from Designer to Account Manager to Producer. He would joke he was never alone because he had many personalities to keep him occupied throughout the day. His work took him to many places, some as close as the Cary Park District, others as far as the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, where he branded and developed a campaign for the country.

As his business grew, Bob moved from the home office to what became his most beautiful work, restoring an 1855 farmhouse to become his office. Known as Two Penny Farm, Bob designed every inch with help from friends and family. It was not only his place of work it was his sanctuary. A place to meet, a place to discuss ideas, a place to laugh over a drink. Here he mentored many young entrepreneurs who looked up to him. When you saw his car in the parking lot you knew the door was open and you would be greeted with a smile and a strong drink, over party ice.

He enjoyed his time away from work, taking vacations to Georgia to visit relatives and long weeks with family playing golf and climbing the dunes in Michigan. You could always spot him from the shore battling the waves on his Waverunner. He also loved his time alone listening to his meticulously kept record collection. A few favorites would include, The Allman Brothers Band Live at Fillmore East, Pat Metheny Trio Live, and any originally mastered recording of the Beatles. What Bob couldn’t say in words he could communicate with song, making mixed CDs and playlists for loved ones or gifting them albums he knew they would love.

Bob’s legacy sits hanging on the walls of his farm. The designs, logos, brochures, and Mead 60 Certificate of Honors for designers. The framed hole-in-one ball from The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe in Bloomington, IN in 2008 – hole 10. His plaque from the village of Cary, for excellence in preservation, which sits in the farmhouse he restored. All things that will outlast any of us.

Born on May 17, 1952, Bob passed away peacefully at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife Sheryl; his sons Daniel and Robert, his daughters-in-law Megan and Stacey, his granddaughter, Emma, and brother Jack Schellenberg. Bob also leaves many family members and devoted friends, a convertible, component audio equipment, and a record collection that would make XRT jealous.

Bob would want us to all know he is resting peacefully knowing full well he no longer has to pay any more taxes to Illinois.

A celebration of life for close friends and family will be at a later date.

Evol now and forever, your family.