Robert H. Schall
Robert H. Schall, Jr., 63, from Arlee, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014, after a two year battle with cancer. He was born June 25, 1950. He spent his entire life in Arlee, most of it on the Schall Ranch. His rodeo career is legendary. He was an accomplished bareback rider, team roper, and steer wrestler, winning countless championships in the PRCA, NRA, and other regional associations. He traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada and on occasion to Australia. He was an MSU alum, being most proud of his membership on the 1972 NIRA National Championship Men’s Rodeo Team and of being a member of the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He won the coveted PRCA Linderman Award in 1986. He was a past president of the Northern Rodeo Association. He was recently inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and is listed on the Montana Rodeo Wall of Fame at Metra Park in Billings. He was a dear friend and mentor to many. Bob was incredibly proud of being a father to Emily — she was the light of his life. He never missed an opportunity to be with her or support her throughout her youth. He drove many tireless miles to be wherever she may need him.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to fish, hunt and pack. His favorite dessert was pie and ice cream. His ability to complete math calculations in his head was astounding.
He married Shari Delp in 1975. He married Pam Gann in 1991 and of this union Emily Jean Schall was born on August 1, 1993.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Marjorie Schall, Sr.; brothers-in-law Norman Crawford, Rip Johnson and Tom O’ Connor.
He is survived by his daughter Emily; longtime partner Jill Ursua; sisters Marjorie Schall, Betsy Johnson, Judy Myllymaki, Johanna Crawford, and Mary Jane Heindel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 29, in Arlee, at the high school gym. Burial followed in the City Cemetery in Missoula. A potluck reception followed the internment, side dishes & desserts are appreciated. Foster Funeral Home of St. Ignatius was entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, University of Great Falls Rodeo Team, MSU Rodeo Scholarship fund or a charity of one’s choice. Thoughts and condolences may be shared at www.fosterfhandcrematory.com.