File Photo Robert Schempp, Minot’s city manager from 1977-97, is shown in his office in this photo published in the March 20, 1988, edition of The Minot Daily News.

A community pillar, mentor and friend are among words used to describe former Minot city manager Robert Schempp, who died Wednesday at age 92.

“He was such a dynamic individual and involved in so many things throughout his life that it is still a shock to see him go,” said David Waind, who worked as city clerk and assistant manager under Schempp and filled his shoes as manager in 1997 after Schempp retired. Schempp had been with the city in various capacities since 1960 and became city manager in 1977.

“The community has lost another one of its pillars,” said Chuck Barney, a former Minot mayor and close friend of Schempp. “It’s important to remember everything that they brought to the community. Sometimes, I think, the community has a short-term memory as to how we got to where we are today, and we’re all standing on the shoulders of people like Bob Schempp.”

Toni Smith, who worked as administrative secretary for Schempp, said her boss instilled a work ethic by example.

“He had high standards, but he needed to have high standards in his position,” Smith said. “He was tough but very negotiable. I learned from that. He was my mentor.”

She said she also respected him for his deeply ingrained honesty, recalling him warn, “Never tell a lie or say something that you haven’t checked out, because if it’s a lie, you have to remember what you said.”

She also recalled the years Schempp spent working on the 1970s flood control project and getting a city sales tax in place to help fund it.

“The things that meant the most to him were his family, his faith and flood control,” Smith said.

Waind recalled Schempp steering the city through rough economic times. Schempp worked with former Mayor Orlin Backes to develop the details for the MAGIC Fund.

“He was creative in trying to find ways to address problems In the community,” Waind said.

He also remembers Schempp as highly intelligent, with an exceptional memory.

“I remember as a new employee, he’d say – ‘I’ve got a file on that topic, and I think it’s in the fifth cabinet, the fourth drawer, if you look way at the back, there’s a folder that’s kind of folded over,'” Waind said. “He just had that kind of memory. But he was good to work for. He cared for his people and he cared for the community,” Waind said.

Schempp was engaged with all city employees, knowing the names of every one, said Margie Zietz, a city code enforcement officer who started in the police department in 1984.

“He always looked out for the city employees. He was really one of us. He wasn’t way above everybody just because he was city manager,” she said.

Schempp was both genuine and always with a smile on his face, she said.

Even after his retirement, Schempp remained active, Waind said. He served on the Northwest Area Water Supply advisory board, pushing the project forward as he had done from its inception. He served on the Norsk Hostfest Board and on the Minot Commission on Aging.

“He just continued to serve. He was just that kind of guy that was looking to make his community better,” Waind said.

“He was a real mentor for me when I was on council, specifically on water issues,” Barney said. “He had a very grounded perspective on things that was certainly appreciated. And he was one of the smartest men I’ve ever met. He had an ability for facts and numbers and to recall things that was truly impressive.”

That made him a resource in many areas, even beyond water issues, which he was known for, Barney said. He knew the history behind decisions, which has been critical to leaders who have followed behind, he said.

Curt Zimbelman, a former Minot mayor who served on the council during Schempp’s time as manager, said Schempp brought a lot of knowledge and a skill for passing that knowledge on.

“He knew the city inside out. He knew all the ordinances, so he was a great man to talk to and a wonderful leader,” Zimbelman said. “He just had an abundance of knowledge and it seemed like he retained it all. When you had a question, he certainly could answer.”

Along with that, Schempp always had time for people, he said.

“He was not only a great city manager but a wonderful person,” he said.