Robert Francis Schanowski

Robert ""Bob"" Francis Schanowski, 57, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at his home in Aurora, Colorado after a battle with cancer. He was born to Richard and Carole (Geyman) Schanowski in Shorewood, Wisconsin on October 18, 1958. Bob grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, attended Catholic Schools through the 8th grade and graduated from Whitefish Bay High in 1977. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he received a BA in Economics, graduating in 1981. In 2003 he earned a Master's Degree in telecommunications from the University of Denver. After college, Bob wanted to live by the ocean and went to San Diego for a short time. He made the move of his life when he was hired as a Claims Adjuster by Liberty Mutual Insurance in 1983. He met many life-long friends while training for this position in Dallas, Texas and worked nearly two years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana while waiting to be transferred to the Colorado office. Bob remained with Liberty Mutual in Englewood for several years before moving on to Fireman's Fund Insurance. In 2000 Bob accepted the Project Manager position at VISA, working there until the time of his death. It was at Fireman's Fund that he met Cindy and they were married September 5, 1998 and settled in Aurora, Colorado. Cindy and their son, Robert, were the love of Bob's life. He cherished his years watching Robert excel in academics, basketball, baseball and football at Smoky Hill High School, and watching Robert playing football at Mesa State University. Bob was very proud of Robert's academic and life achievements, and of what a truly good person he grew up to be. Bob was a multi-talented and always looking for new challenges and activities. As an all-around athlete, Bob's love and knowledge of sports were contagious. He could always engage you in a conversation of football, baseball, basketball or tennis. A die hard Packer and Brewer fan he was, but also respecting and loving the Broncos, Rockies and Nuggets. Through 2015 Bob played golf with his son, enjoyed fly fishing and competed in tennis. Playing tennis his entire life, he excelled at a high level of the game through his later years and while battling his illness. As an active outdoorsman, he really enjoyed living in Colorado and loved to go fly fishing in the mountains. Bob had an adventurous spirit and did a lot of traveling with his wife, family and friends. Bob's love of country and respect for the past was admirable. Bob always made you feel good about where you came from he was proud of his childhood and of his roots. He proved that ""the best people are from Wisconsin"". His relationships with siblings continued throughout his life, despite many being scattered around the country. He enjoyed ""going back home"" to Wisconsin throughout his life and visiting other parts of the country to spend time with siblings and family. He made a special final trip to watch his Packers play at Lambeau Field in 2014. During this visit, he was able to relive the ""history"" of his childhood one last time. In Bob's final years, he made trips to visit relatives and shared memorable vacations with Cindy in California, cruises to Alaska, Cabo, Italy and France and many, many other wonderful trips. Bob was a very positive person, who believed every day was precious. He always said ""everyone should do something fun every day"", and he lived it. He was fun to be around, challenged himself and encouraged others to experience new things and to keep growing. He liked to invent things, and kept a catalog of his ideas. He was big on living an active, healthy lifestyle. Bob was definitely a ""go getter"" and the word ""can't"" was simply not in his vocabulary. What Bob gave of himself to others is immeasurable. He made everyone happy, he always made you feel good. He could make you laugh so hard, make you think, contemplate and appreciate. He did this even through the cancer. He fought his illness with undeniable courage and positivity, keeping much of this to himself and continuing to live life to the fullest to the end. In one of his last conversations, Bob said ""I'm thankful for my family and the many friends I have had throughout my life!"" He was at peace with leaving this world, knowing that all would be fine for Cindy and Robert. Family knew they could count on him and that he always had your back. Bob Schanowski was proud of the life he led and shared with us. He brought great joy into all of our lives and he will be deeply missed. Bob is survived by his wife of 17 years, Cindy (Felberg) Schanowski and son Robert Felberg; his brothers and sisters, Mary (Wayne) Dillman of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Rick Schanowski of Germantown, Wisconsin, Cathy (Mitch) Massey of Lawrence, Kansas, Mike (Christine) Schanowski of Glendale, Wisconsin, Paul (Marion) Schanowski of Brandon, Florida, Anne (Darin) Lajoie of Royal Palm Beach, Florida and Sarah Schanowski of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Nieces and nephews include Vienna, Milana, Paul, Wayne Jr., David, Lauren, Madelyn, Alexander, Daniel, Stephanie, Emily, Evangeline and Kelly. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Carole Schanowski, formerly of Port St. Lucie, Florida. A Celebration of Life in Bob's honor will be held on Saturday, February 20th, 11:00am at Horan & McConaty, 5303 East County Line Road (West of Holly Street) Centennial, Colorado 80122. Please share your memories of Bob, and condolences for his family in the guestbook below.