Robert Lindeke Schurmeier, Sr.

Robert Lindeke Schurmeier, Sr. passed away peacefully at home in James Island, SC on September 11, 2023. He was surrounded by his four children and his beloved German Shepherd, Heidi. With his passing, the “Greatest Generation” lost one of its heroes.

Robert, or Bob, as he was usually called, was born in St. Paul, MN on October 1, 1926. He was the third son born to Gustave Benjamin Schurmeier and Elizabeth McIntosh Schurmeier. He enlisted in the Navy on September 9, 1944, following the paths of his two older brothers. He was stationed at Corpus Christi, TX, and was assigned as a gunner, on a PBY Catalina, flying missions along the Gulf coast searching for submarines.

Bob was discharged from the Navy in August 1946, with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He attended the University of Illinois, Champaign. He joined his parents in Beaufort, SC, where they owned and operated Land’s End Plantation as a guest lodge. Bob worked as the lead hunting and fishing guide. During this time, he met and married Julie Crocker. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage, until Julie’s passing. Bob and Julie raised four children. He had a successful career in sales, earning top sales awards with several different companies over many years.

Bob had many talents, skills and hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. He was a talented woodworker and a genius at small engine repair. He faithfully attended each meeting of the James Island Public Service District for many years, sharing his wisdom and advice with the Commissioners. The JIPSD honored him with the title of honorary “8th Commissioner”. Bob especially enjoyed his early morning flights with his dear friend, Dr. David Egleston.

Bob was ever and always a devoted husband, a loyal and cherished friend, and the most wonderful father that anyone could ask for. The example he set with his honesty, work ethic, loyalty and religious faith was a model for each of his four children for how to live a valuable life.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Julie, his siblings, Harris “Bud,” Schurmeier, Ben Schurmeier, Betty Lu Schurmeier Christensen, and his granddaughter Rebecca Norris. He is survived by his children, Sally Lindeke Schurmeier Mills (Laney), Robert Lindeke Schurmeier (Joyce), Julie Susan Schurmeier Norris (Stephen), Georgeanna Schurmeier McLeod (Keith), and by his grandchildren Sarah Norris, Laney Robert Mills, Julie McLeod Sykes, Kelly McLeod Young, Emily McLeod, Emma Louise Schurmeier and Lindsey McLeod, and by his great granddaughters Noah Jane Young, and Vivian Hart Sykes.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lutheran Hospice, 1885 Rifle Range Rd, #46, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

A visitation reception will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 12:30pm in the fellowship hall, at St. James Anglican Church, 1101 Camp Road, James Island, SC 29412. The funeral will follow at 1:30pm (at high tide) in the sanctuary. A burial service will be held at 2:45pm at St. James Episcopal Cemetery, 1872 Camp Road, James Island, SC 29412.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.