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Robert Miller Schram, 83

Mr. Schram was the Tipton County Foundation's first Director

June 30, 2005 (Peru Tribune)

Robert Miller Schram, 83, Tipton, went to be with the Lord on Monday June 20, 2005.

He was born Dec. 4, 1921 to Mabel and Emil Schram. He married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Myers on June 4, 1942, and she predeceased him. Bob was blessed to meet and marry Elizabeth Ann (Ibby Ann) Kurtz in 1977. They celebrated their 28th anniversary in January, and created a loving blended family.

Bob had the unforgettable experience in the '30s to be a senate page. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, was stationed in Brazil with the Air Ship Unit and his active duty ended in November 1945. He retired to the Naval Reserve at the rank of commander in 1961.

In Peru he had a number of responsibilities. In 1959 he joined the Peru Trust Company, now known as Wells Fargo Bank, where he was president and chairman from 1966 until his retirement in 1987, was vice chairman of the Indiana Port Commission 1961/1983, was president of the Indiana Bankers Association in 1966 and a member of Indiana State Fair Board 1947/1950. Bob was presented the Silver Beaver Award for his excellent leadership with the Boy Scouts in 1977, was Peru Man of the Year in 1955 and was made Sagamore of the Wabash three times. After his retirement, he served as the first chairman of the Tipton County Foundation.

Survivors besides his wife include his three children, Tom Schram and wife Betsy, David Schram and wife Carol, and Mary Elizabeth Schram; two stepsons, Dr. Bob Kurtz and wife Charla, and Mike Kurtz and wife Rose; two brothers, Jim Schram and wife Sue, and Dan Schram and wife Sandy; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and five nephews.

He was a remarkable man and touched many lives for which the family gives thanks. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be given to either the Tipton County Foundation for the Ibby Ann and Robert Schram Educational Fund, The Boy Scouts of America Sagamore Council or Kemp United Methodist Church, Tipton.

Last modified: Tuesday, June 15, 2010