Bob Schreurs was born on June 4, 1933, in Garretson, South Dakota to Mathew and Frances Kuhl Schreurs. He grew up on the family farm near Garretson and attended Country School District 101 and graduated from Garretson High School in 1951. Following high school, he farmed with his father until November 26, 1955, when he enlisted in the United States Army. Bob served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his honorable discharge on February 24, 1956, Bob returned to the family farm and attended South Dakota State College graduating in 1960. On December 30th, 1957, he and Mariann Gacke were married at St. Mary’s Church in Larchwood, IA. Following their marriage, they made their home in Castana, IA and Madison, SD where Bob taught Agriculture Classes. In 1965 they moved to Alden, MN and in 1966 they moved to Slayton, MN, where Bob worked for USDA Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). Mariann passed away on December 10, 1973. Bob and Sandra Shore Taylor were married on June 20, 1980, in Slayton. They continued to make their home in Slayton raising their blended family of six. Bob retired in 1994. In 1996 Bob went to work for the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton until his retirement in 2012. Sandra passed away on August 11, 2007. Bob moved to Lindenwood Assisted Living in Slayton on October 27, 2023, and passed away there on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 90. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton and served on the St. Ann’s Cemetery Board and was caretaker of the St. Ann’s Cemetery for many years. Bob enjoyed time with his family, bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, dancing, and attending Polka Fest. Bob was somewhat of a local celebrity appearing many times on the PBS Funtime Polka Party.
Survivors include his two children, Todd Schreurs (Heidi Ashby) of Park Rapids, MN, Lisa (Roger) Opdahl of Fulda, MN, four step-children, Kevin (Roxie) Taylor of Coon Rapids, MN, Pat (Pam) Taylor of Burnsville, MN, Kate (Brian) Harmsen of Slayton, MN and Jane (Tom) Peterson of Orlando, FL, five grandchildren, Eric (Sarah) Schreurs, Ben (Erin) Schreurs, Matt (Jayden) Schreurs, Sarah (Loren) Clarke, and Tyler Opdahl, 12 step-grandchildren, Kelsey (Josh) Syverson, Alicia (Zach) Fuchs, Nick (Caitie) Harmsen, Isaac Harmsen, Emily Peterson, Zachary Peterson, Aaron White, Missy (Jon) Henthorne-Larson, Marco (Jenny) Henthorne, Danny (Dawn) Saukkola, Tammy (Jesse) Saukkola-Smasal, Billy (Nicole) Saukkola, four great-grandchildren Levi, Ellie, Maverick and Kennedy, 14 step great-grandchildren, Logan, Miyah, Miles, Piper, Stella, Hannah, Grace, Parker, Lincoln, Marco, Lexi, Nicky, Taylor and Colton, one sister, Mary Schreurs of Garretson, SD, one sister-in-law, Wilma Schreurs of Sioux Falls, SD, and special friend, Irene Matson of Sioux Falls, SD. He is preceded in death by his parents, wives, Mariann and Sandra, son, Kevin Schreurs, four siblings and their spouses, Lorraine (Jim) Bunkers, Ralph Schreurs, Dorothy and (Don) Vandersnick, and Bernadine (Art) Carlson.
Memorial Services were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist is Judy Andrews. The song leader is Wes Biren. The honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment is at St. Rose Lima Cemetery in Garretson, SD.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. also one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
