"Bubber will be remembered by me as the Uncle who approached life with an excitement for giving his time and energy to his community and others. Fifty-six years ago I can still remember how shy and nervous I was as the flower girl at Aunt Linda and Uncle Bubber?s wedding. So glad I had the opportunity to be a part of such a special day. Our families prayers are with you all. May God bless you with his perfect peace. Love Barb and Paul Rogers & Family"
In loving memory of
Richard "Bubber" Schaber
June 10, 1930 - January 1, 2020
Richard "Bubber" Schaber, 89, of St. Charles died Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at Whitewater Health Services in St. Charles. Bubber was born the son of Leslie and Blanche (Daskoske) Schaber on June 10, 1930 in St. Charles. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1948 and entered the United States Navy, serving from 1949 - 1956. In the Navy he was recognized as the Honor Man of Company 108 at the Great Lakes Center and served on the USS Leyte CV 32 aircraft Carrier. Following his service to the military, Bubber worked for J.R. Watkins as Regional Sales Branch Manager of the New York Division. He was later employed at First National Bank in St. Charles as Vice-President and general insurance agent. Bubber went on to work for Winona State College as director of bookstore operations for 25 years, receiving a Distinguished Service Award. Bubber and Linda Schneider were married on August 3, 1963 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. They made their home in St. Charles their entire married lives.
Bubber was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Where he was active on the Parrish Board, Holy Name Society, Springfest and as a church helper for over 40 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and received the Bishops Medal in 2015. Bubber was also active in the Boy Scouts as Executive Board Chairman. He was an active member of the St. Charles Moose Lodge. He was a member and Past Commander of the St. Charles Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts. Bubber served as the Treasurer of the Winona County Fair Board for 50 years, entering the Fair's Hall of Fame in 1987. He received the Jaycee's, Citizen Distinguished Service Award in 1964 and the Outstanding Winona County Senior Citizen Award in 2013. Bubber enjoyed many big game hunting trips to Wyoming with his buddies.
Survivors include Linda, his wife of 56 years, three sons; John of St. Charles, Jody (Tammy) of Rochester Rick (Tracie) of St. Charles, two granddaughters, Abbie Schaber and Jordan (Al) Lange and two great-grandchildren, Trae and Mila. He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Blanche, his brother Ronald Schaber and sister Joan Brogan.
A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. A private family burial will be in the spring at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles and one hour before services at the church on Monday. The St. Charles V.F.W. and American Legion Posts will conduct military graveside honors at the church following services. Please share a memory of Bubber and view his video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Bubber's family asks that memorials be directed to the St. Charles Veterans Park or an athletic scholarship being arranged in Bubber's name.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful and caring man always with a smile and a hug. He would do anything to help someone out. Always a fun loving heart and awesome personality. I was honored to get to know Dick when I was an Administrative Secretary to the Nursing Professors and Students in the Nursing Department in Rochester, MN. If I needed questions answered regarding books, etc he would was always so gracious in helping me out. May he Rest in Peace with the Good Lord!"
"To the Schafer family. You were blessed with one of the most remarkable man I have had the pleasure to know. He was so very kind and always had a smile and a hug. He is one of a kind and I can honestly say that we need more people like him. I know his faith was strong and very important to him. I think he always looked for the good in people. His family was his life and he was proud of all of you. What a neat example he has set for all of us. Our love and prayers to all of you. Bless you Bubber and may you Rest In Peace. Orv and Janell Dahl "
"To John and the Schaber Family: My sincerest condolences to you all. I was also an employee of "Mr. Schaber" at the WSU bookstore and what a kind man he was to me during my employment. He was always professional but he also guided and mentored us for future employment responsibilities. I am forever grateful to him for that opportunity. It is wonderful to read all the memories and contributions he made with / to the St. Charles citizens and community. Be proud of your dad and keep him alive in your heart! He is your angel now and will always be the sun of your face, the wind at your back, and the good luck in life. All my best, Sharon Holm Bottensek"
"To the whole Schaber family, especially Linda. I am sorry for your loss. He was so caring and sensitive, never afraid to show emotion around the people he loved, and so giving. I know his presence will be missed. May you find comfort during this very sad time. "
"I?ll never forget when I got a job at Winona State Bookstore from Richard. We would never call him Bubber. At that time I didn?t even know he had a nickname, but in any case he was a great boss! I loved working with him?,"
"Linda and family , so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold all the wonderful memories of of this special man close to your heart during this difficult time. Our heartfelt sympathies extend to your entire family. "
"Linda and family. We are so sad to hear of Bubber's passing. Whenever we saw him he always had a smile and time for a little chat. He set such a good example for the community through his service. He will certainly be missed. May we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers. Butch and Shirley"
"Sorry for your loss! I remember giving him rides from the fairgrounds to the bank; Escorts if you will. I never met a more polite, courteous, and kind man than Bubber he must've thanked me about 20 times from the fairgrounds to his house. May God bring your family close and comfort you during this time of sadness. Please accept my condolences and sympathy."
"Bubber was a wonderful man to all of us kids growing up on Bluff Avenue. I'll always remember his excitement for the start of the football season as we all had hope for another Vikings Super Bowl appearance. When we made our pilgrimage on our bikes, from neighborhoods all over town, to his backyard after every Vikings game to play our own game he would greet us by name, talk about the game, and ALWAYS end the conversation with "careful guys, careful guys." I love that catch phrase, the words and his voice saying them will be stamped in my memory forever. Bubber was also the first man I remember telling his kids that he loved them while their friends were around. It was rare in those days for dads to say that when others were listening. That made an impression on me at a young age and I admired that very much. I am glad that I was able to see him in recent weeks. Even though his body was weakened, his demeanor and mannerisms were the same Bubber I will always remember. We had brief, but fun chats and they always ended with him saying, "Well done young man, careful Scott." That's exactly what I wanted to hear from him. I have very fond memories of growing up on Bluff Avenue, all my love to Bubber's memory and the Schaber familiy. Scott McCready"
"My sympathies to the Schaber family"
"Blubber was always a community supporter and fun guy to be around . He and Linda raised children who are community supporters no matter where they are. Enjoyed knowing him. Chuck and judy mccarthy"
" Schaber family, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! "
"Linda & Family - the fair board was honored to have Bubber as part of the Winona County Fair Family!! His 50 years of distinguished service as fair treasurer is a record to be admired. Each fair from now on I will always remember Bubber as I bring the St. Charles Bakery goodies to the fair office each morning... he dearly loved those treats!! Bubber was a wonderful friend and mentor. I am so proud and grateful that he was part of my life, and I will miss him. Peace and prayers to your family. Rest in Peace Bubber Schaber... you "did" life well and leave behind a great legacy, your wonderful family!"
"Bubber was a GREAT man!! I'm so honored I got to know him for many years! He will be missed by MANY! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! Hugs."
"Dear Linda and family, There are really no words other than to say we are praying really hard right now for you and your family. You are handling this with such courage and strength. We will be thinking of you often and saying prayers for strength and healing. So many fond memories of Bubber, and all the kindheartedness both of you shared with us, especially with our children during those very precious years when they were growing up. Rest In Peace, Bubber, The Dolan family "
"My condolences to the Schaber family. I am so sorry for your loss. "
"Linda and family, we are so sorry to hear about Bubber. We send you our thoughts, prayers, and hugs. "
"My dear Schaber family, I'm truly sorry for the loss of Bubber. I have such fond memories living next door. I never witnessed the "boogie whip" but I feared it all the same. Hugs and prayers to all??"