Mr. Robert L. Schlager,86, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2012, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cheyenne. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Schlager was born August 21, 1925, in Mitchell, Nebraska, a son of the late Jacob and Elizabeth (Deines) Schlager. He was one of 17 children. He attended schools in Mitchell, NE, and Hawk Springs, WY. Robert entered the United States Army in 1944, and served his basic training in Camp Walters, TX, in the 43rd Company D Infantry Heavy Weapons Division. He was sent to Fort Ord, CA, for additional training prior to going into battle at Luzon, Philippines. While in the Philippines, he and his troops helped finish removing the enemy out of the Manila mountains. He served until the end of World War II. He was then shipped to an area near Tokyo, Japan, and served as a military policeman. He was in Company D 720th MP Battalion until returning to the United States Separation Center in Ft. Lewis, WA, where he was discharged in 1946 as a PFC. He married Helen Keller and they farmed in Lingle, WY, areas surrounding Veteran, WY, and in 1970, they moved to Colorado. He later married Doloris (Heinle) Stroh in 1972. He worked for a farmer in Eaton, CO, the Town of Pierce, CO, and the University of Northern Colorado in grounds maintenance until he retired in 1984 due to illness. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed being outdoors and working in his yard. He also enjoyed dancing the Dutch hop, singing, wood working and spending time with his grandchildren. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Doloris Schlager of Cheyenne; three daughters, Judy Burcham and husband, Richard, of Torrington, Debra Gibson and husband, Jack, of Lingle, and Marsha Inskeep of Ft. Collins, CO; a son, Monte Schlager of Grand Junction, CO; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Schlager of Wisconsin; three step-sons, Neal Stroh of Brandon, WI, Keith Stroh of Chandler, AZ, and Wade Stroh of Greeley, CO; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harry Schlager of Cheyenne, William Schlager of Torrington, and Lawrence Schlager of Aurora, CO; one sister, Wilma Word of Puyallup, WA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Randolph Schlager; a step-son, Grant Stroh; seven brothers; and five sisters. A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the Schrader Chapel with The Reverend Kevin Frank officiating. An interment service will military honors will be held at the Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at the Schrader Reception Center. Expressions of sympathy in Robert's memory may be made to the First Congregational Church or to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Home Base Primary Care and Hospice Center.
Service
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 10:00am
Schrader Chapel
2323 Carey Avenue
CHEYENNE, WY 82001
Interment
Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery
10701 North Yellowstone Road
CHEYENNE, WY 82009
Reception
Schrader Reception Facility
2323 Carey Avenue
CHEYENNE, WY 82001