Robert (Bob) L. Shidler, 92, of LaPaz passed into the arms of Jesus at 12:40 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, under hospice care at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth. He is survived by his two children, a son, Brian L. Shidler and a daughter, Amy (Sean) Scoular, and six grandchildren, Tony, Cory, Danielle, and Michael Shidler, and Rachel and Jared Ward. He is also survived by two step-daughters, Sharon (Don) Balka and Susan (Tim) Good, four step-grandchildren, Steve (Amy) Balka, Paige (Dirk) Anderson, Jason (Beth) Good and Danielle (Brad) Kertai, and nine step-great-grandchildren, four step-great-great-
Bob was born in Grass Creek on July 13, 1932 to Harry and Olive (Zeider) Shidler. The family moved to Lapaz and that is where he lived for the rest of his life. Bob gradutated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1950. He became an electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Robert married the love of his life, Janice (Clabaugh) on August 26, 1951, who preceeded him in death in November, 1994. Bob was drafted and serviced in the Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
Robert and Janice lived on their 150 acre farm for over 45 years. He was a member of the Teegarden First Brethren Church. Bob would do anything for anyone that asked. He had a gift for service and a talent for making people smile. In his lifetime, he donated 30 gallons of blood, with a large majority of that done in the 28 years since he retired. When asked why he donated, he said, “It makes me feel like I’m doing something worth while. I’m glad it’s there if I need it, but I’m more glad if I don’t need it and I can give it.” After retirement, Bob began cycling and rode 50 miles a day until he reached 87 years old.
After the loss of Janice, Robert found love again. He married Cleo (Albert) on January 26, 1996. The couple attended Teegarden Church on Sunday mornings, and Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday evening services. Bob and Cleo continued to live in LaPaz and spend a few winters in Punta Gorda, Florida. Cleo proceeded him in death in February of 2019.
Robert was a member of the Republican National Party, the Right To Life, Lions Club of LaPaz, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #153.
Visitation will be held from 11AM -1PM on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Teegarden 1st Brethren Church, 16518 W. 1st Rd, Walkerton, IN 46574. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 1PM with Pastor Robbie Keck officiating.
Burial will take place in Fair Cemetery, North Liberty,
Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037; Teegarden 1st Brethren Church, 16518 W. 1st Rd, Walkerton, IN 46574; or to Calvary Baptist Church, 300 Cortland St., LaPaz, IN 46537. Please also consider donating blood at a local blood drive in memory of Robert.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
