Robert Earl Schaale, 82

Robert Earl Schaale, of Eureka, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. He was born to Richard and Emma (Stoldt) Schaale on Aug. 13, 1927, in Wolf Point. At the age of 12, Bob began working nights in the family bakery. After graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1945, he went to work in the Tacoma shipyards. He then served in the Army in Occupied Japan. On Christmas day 1949, Bob married the love of his life, Vurnie Lou Grayson. For three years they owned and operated a bowling alley in Wolf Point. Bob s love of bowling continued throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing golf and softball. In 1952 Bob began a 33-year career with the railroad. First he drove semi for Great Northern Stages on routes throughout Montana, and later worked in train service with Burlington Northern. Bob lived in Glasgow for 30 years, where he and Vurnie raised their four daughters. He had a deep Christian faith and a strong love of family. Bob had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing. In 1985 Bob and Vurnie retired to the family cabin on Glen Lake. He spent many hours remodeling the cabin making it a beautiful home. They spent 10 winters in Quartzsite, Ariz., where he enjoyed panning for gold, listening to live country music and visiting with good friends old and new. Bob enjoyed restoring Model A Fords, collecting coins and stamps, and picking huckleberries. He loved making huckleberry jam and giving it away to friends. He enjoyed catching, canning and smoking fish. An avid card player, Bob loved to play cribbage and pinochle. Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife, Vurnie and four daughters, Pat and Dave Steingruber of Olympia, Wash., Kathy and Bruce Callahan of Langley, Wash., Jean and Don Beckman of Lynden, Wash., and Karon and Greg Axtell of Carlsbad, N.M.; sister, Louise Montgomery, of Memphis, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved by his family. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka, followed by graveside services at the Eureka Cemetery and a reception at the family home, 450 Glen Park Road. Memorials can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.