Bob Schouten

Robert Bob Schouten was born on a farm south of Rock Valley in 1934 to Peter and Celia (Blankespoor) Schouten. Bob grew up in Sioux Center and attended the Sioux Center Christian School and Sioux Center Public High School.

Bob volunteered for the US Army in 1953, and after basic training was sent to Germany for 18 months where he worked as a clerk typist. While overseas, he had the great pleasure of exploring his family roots in Holland as well as traveling throughout England and France.

Upon returning to Iowa he began to work for the Moerman Brothers as a painter for several months. Thereafter, he married Alma Jean Kroon. Later, he started working at Boeyinks Grocery Store, eventually purchasing the store which was later renamed Schoutens Grocery.

Bob was very active in the Jaycees and during his involvement held many offices, including a role as President of the local chapter.

Other business ventures included a unique specialty store called Gifts by Mr. Robert's and later he originated a painting company called Country Squire Decorating with business partner Herm Vanden Hull. In later years, prior to his retirement, he worked as a nursing assistant and found great satisfaction in helping the elderly in this manner. He also continued to take on painting projects as well as working in the greenhouse at Bomgaars.

Bobs great passion in life had been his love of gardening and flowers. Retirement allowed him to devote much time and energy to his small garden patch at the Homestead where he had resided since 1996. He became known as the Flower Man at the Homestead and found great joy in sharing Gods natural bounty with his fellow neighbors and friends.

He was a regular and devout member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church. Bob found immense comfort in the bond of the congregation and the many acts of unconditional kindness exhibited to him throughout the years.

Despite many trials and tribulations during his lifetime, Bob steadfastly remained a loving optimist with a distinct sense of humor. Through the grace of God and strength in his personal faith, he always found time to share his kind spirit and caring soul with his family, friends and members of his community.

He will be greatly missed by his children which include three daughters: Deb and her husband, Larry Vander Weide, Sally and her husband, Dick Koel, Kathy and her husband, Vern Rozeboom all of Sioux Center, two sons: David Schouten and his wife, Sue of Alton and Paul Schouten of Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, he will be tenderly remembered as a dear and loving brother by his surviving sisters and their spouses; Sal Kruger, Mary and Keith Bonnema and Carol and Mark Bandstra; his sister-in-law, Rose Koele and his brother-in-law, Gerald Harskamp, all of Sioux Center. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren will also miss their Grandpa Schouten.