Davis, Robert "Bob" C. (Schutz) (81) of Minneapolis, passed away February 4, 2019, felled by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) a rare neurodegenerative brain disease. Since August 2016, when Bob could no longer be cared for at home, he endured two assisted living facilities, and a skilled nursing home. During his almost 30 months away from home, he was sustained by nearly daily visits from wife Linda.

Bob's childhood was spent in Kandiyohi County Minnesota. He belonged to his church high school choir (great tenor voice), and graduated from Willmar High School. He enjoyed time with family and friends, especially at Diamond Lake. His early jobs included delivering newspapers, helping an uncle farm, laboring on a highway crew, parking cars, and working in a book bindery.

Bob received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota. He worked as a geographer and cartographer in Minnesota, and thereafter in Philadelphia with Aero Services Corporation. In New Jersey, Bob was a senior planner for the Cumberland County Planning Board and pursued a Master's Degree in urban planning from Rutgers University. In Wisconsin, as a Brown County senior planner, Bob developed plans for parks and other public projects, and authored many related reports. While there, Bob became a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan.

Returning to Minnesota, Bob focused on regional comprehensive planning at the Metropolitan Council for 28 years. He led a team developing the Council's solid waste policy plan, and worked on its first Metropolitan Development Framework (MDF). He eventually became manager of the Council's comprehensive planning department. He was dedicated to defending the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) against inappropriate expansion requests. Metro Transit, an operating division of the Council, came to Bob's aid when it issued his Metro Mobility card in April 2015. He looked forward to different drivers of the handicapped van who transported him to his adult day program, especially when they took different routes which offered assorted views and perspectives of the urban landscape.

Bob traveled to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, visited many major cities in the U.S.A., and enjoyed camping, the outdoors, and natural wonders. Upon retirement he made a solo journey throughout the Southwest and Central Plains. Bob delighted in driving for pleasure along byways and scenic corridors. He lived in many houses, all benefiting from his handyman skills, as did his summer cabin. He loved golfing, jogging, classical music, boating, classic cars, and building model ships, cars, and airplanes, plus singing and pumping away at his player piano. He knew his wines, enjoyed diverse cuisines, but favored a good steak dinner. He kept up with sports, current events and the weather. He preferred TV mysteries, comedies and westerns, and spy novels and history books. He liked dogs and cats, and watching birds and clouds. Bob maintained beautiful gardens and indoor plants.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert H. and Ruth Davis, and brother Richard. Bob is survived by his wife, Linda Schutz, of almost 37 years, his rock throughout his struggle with his debilitating disease. Other survivors are sons, Mark and Michael (Lilian) from Bob's prior marriage to Patricia Davis, brother Paul, sister Shirley Martin, their families and Richard's family, along with many other relatives, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Thanks to all who, in recent years, provided conscientious, caring medical help or other assistance to Bob and Linda, and special thanks to brother Paul Davis for the smiles and laughter he evoked from Bob during their often weekly lunchtime get-togethers. Arrangements to be announced at a later date. Memorials preferred to CurePSP, Elder Voice Family Advocates, or Struthers Parkinson's Center.

Memorial service for Bob Davis will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019, in downtown Willmar, Minnesota at Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. S.W. as follows: 10 a.m. visitation, 11 a.m. chapel service. Interment at nearby Clover Leaf Memorial Park Cemetery.

Cremation Society of MN 612-825-2435

Published on February 24, 2019