Robert G. “Big Bob” Schultz - November 19, 1954 - August 18, 2024.
Robert G. “Big Bob” Schultz 69, New Buffalo, Michigan passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024, while surrounded by his wife and family at Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City. Born on November 19, 1954, in Michigan City, Indiana to parents Gerald Emil and M. Elaine (Bukowski) Schultz, who preceded him in death. Bob was a graduate of Rogers High School in 1973. After graduation, he moved with his family to Charlotte, North Carolina, and started his business career as a traveling air compressor serviceman at Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Sullair Corporation, working with his father, Gerry Schultz, also a long-time Joy and Sullair compressor businessman from Michigan City. With Bob’s experience and mechanical background, in 1986 he started and owned a compressor parts business, Lake Wiley Supply in Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
In 1992, while visiting friends in Michigan City, Bob met the love of his life, long-time companion/wife of 32 years, Jan Rupsis Freier, (whose past family members of 3 generations were also in the air compressor business at the original Sullivan Machinery and Joy Manufacturing of Michigan City). Bob relocated back to Michigan City in 1995. He re-established his parts business and “mechanical knowledge
library” as part owner of Lefco CPS which he later acquired and became owner and president. Michigan City is known as “air compressor country” and “Big Bob” was known as the compressor parts “guru” all over the United States. Bob enjoyed his daily customer conversations….They would say, “With Bob’s past serviceman‘s experience and knowledge, he could talk to us on the phone, ask a few questions
about a specific issue or problem and he almost always knew what part was needed to fix the problem”. Bob would say, “We’ll air freight the parts overnight and it should fix your problem”…and it did! “We have truly lost a compressor parts ICON. He was like a walking/talking encyclopedia of compressor manuals or in today’s terms, he was the “AI” (artificial intelligence) of the parts business.” Big Bob’s personality, smile, and big heart were as large as he was, “the gentle giant” always
laughing and having a good time. He treated his employees with respect and generosity… always saying “my employees are the business, the employees are what helped make this business so successful”.
Bob and Jan enjoyed multiple vacations and travel to Hawaii. On February 20, 1999, they were married in Kauai. Earlier this year, they enjoyed a month-long vacation in Hawaii celebrating their 25th anniversary. At home, he enjoyed his outdoor activities, caring for an amazing colorful wall of potted plants, flowers, and vegetables along with his big green John Deere riding lawnmower. He regularly attended and supported the Michigan City “Sullair Disconnect” get-togethers at Galveston’s in July and December. He was also an avid collector of air compressor memorabilia, which he proudly displayed in his office and his company hallways. Bob supported Michigan City high school “Air Academy” and girls golf programs. He was a supporter and member of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge 432, and was a former member of the Michigan City yacht club.
Bob will be greatly missed by family, friends, employees, and the business community. He is survived by his wife, Jan Schultz, New Buffalo, sister Susan Vissing, Michigan City, brother James Schultz, Coral, Springs, Florida; nephew Blake Vissing (Stefanie), Michigan City; nieces Jill (Paul) O’Bbagy Schererville, Indiana, Jennifer (John) Cifaldi, Quincy, Illinois and Megan Rupsis, Grayslake, Illinois, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the charity or organization of your choice.
Please come celebrate in Big Bob’s honor, “A Celebration of Life” on
Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 3:00-7:00 pm, at the Michigan City
Senior Center, 2 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana 46360.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.
