Robert “Bob” Schempp

Minot

Robert A. “Bob” Schempp passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Garrison, ND, at the age of 92. Bob was a long-time resident of Minot and worked for the City of Minot for over 37 years.

Bob was born on September 5, 1932, in Garrison, ND to Lois Hanna (Kampert) Schempp and Waldemar Schempp of Underwood, N.D. Bob attended grade school and high school in Mandan, graduating from high school in 1950. He attended college at Concordia in Moorhead, MN and at Bismarck Junior College. He was a member of the Enlisted Army Reserve during the Korean War and continued to serve in the Reserve until 1958.

Bob and Diane Hummel connected on a cold February evening in 1952 and were inseparable for the next 64 years. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Bismarck on January 3, 1953.

During one of their summer conversations, Diane told Bob, “I want a dozen kids.” Bob hoped that she was kidding – She almost wasn’t. They went on to raise 8 children: Bart (Wanda) Schempp of Mendota Hts, MN, Mary Lasley of Palm Coast, FL, Linda (Dan) Durbin of Sturgis, SD, Kathleen (Pete) Fettig of Bismarck, ND, Robert (Cindy) Schempp-Gomez of Moorhead, MN, Elizabeth (Barry) Hulse of Vermillion, SD, Margaret Schempp of Minot, ND, and Jean Schempp Kircher (John Kircher) of Minot, ND

Bob had a 70+ year commitment to Public Service.

In January 1952, Bob went to work for the City of Bismarck to assist in the development of a Master Plan for the City of Bismarck. He was hired on a full-time basis in the summer of 1952 and worked for the Treasurer and Auditor on special assessment projects. In January 1957, he was appointed Assistant City Assessor.

Bob moved his family to Minot in 1958, and worked for Monroe Calculating Machine Co until January 1960, when he was hired as a City Assessor. In August 1963, Bob was appointed the Assistant Finance Director at City Hall. He held that job until October 1966 when he was appointed as Minot’s City Auditor and Finance Director. He was appointed as City Manager in November 1977, a job he held until his retirement in 1997.

After retiring, Bob continued his involvement in civic and other affairs. He has been involved with local projects related to flood control, property tax relief as well as membership on several local boards.

Water supply became his passion in the last years of his life. He became known as, “The Father to NAWS,” (Northwest Area Water Supply Project), which will provide a reliable water supply to the people of northwestern North Dakota, including Minot and the surrounding area. Bob served as the Chair of the Northwest Water Supply committee, and later on its advisory committee until his death.

Bob has been a devout Catholic ever since he converted before marrying Diane. He insisted that his family attend weekly Mass, sang in the choir, devoted one hour each week with our Lord at the St. John’s Adoration Chapel, and served as Diane’s replacement on the Parish Prayer Line.

He was an avid golfer and played football in high school and college. Bob and Diane played mixed doubles tennis, where their success depended on Diane’s wicked slice serve and two-handed backhand. After retirement they enjoyed traveling to visit kids, grandkids and friends, with trips to Death Valley, Mendota Heights, Two Inlets Lake, Grand Junction, Whidbey Island, Prescott, Tempe, Murray, Moorhead, Vermillion, Winnipeg, Panama City Beach and Ormond Beach among others. They attended events like The Ryder Cup, The Solheim Cup, the US Open and International Tennis Tourneys. They also traveled to Washington DC and San Diego.

Bob is survived by his eight children; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Jim; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; his parents; Diane’s parents; his brother, Gerald; Diane’s brothers, Duane and Dave; and other family members.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 6:00 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to Little Flower Church, 800 University Avenue West, Minot, North Dakota 58703. https://www.littleflowerminot.com/ or Catholic Indian Mission, P.O Box 639, Fort Yates, ND 58538-0639. https://catholicindianmission.com/

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 27, 2025.