The Automotive Aftermarket is mourning the loss of Bob Schoeberl, 77, who died Sept. 19 after he collapsed on a golf course near his home in Aurora, Ill.
Schoeberl will be remembered as a man whose concern for his fellow-man knew no bounds.
Schoeberl served in the army after leaving college and, following his military service began a long and successful career in the automotive aftermarket. He was employed by Montgomery Ward & Co., then a major re-seller in the automotive aftermarket, for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1994 as Executive Vice President and member of the Executive Committee of the Board. He then moved on to become CEO and Chairman of Midas Corp., and also served on the Boards of TBC Corp. and Lund Industries. Schoeberl was also involved in philanthropic organizations, and followed a profound personal sense of duty to support the common good.
In 1988, not long after embarking upon the revitalization of the Aftermarket Foundation, Don Schlenger recruited Schoeberl to join the Foundation Board. Schoeberl took on the voluntary role of Chairman of the Golf Tournament Committee. He proceeded to inject his typical enthusiasm, energy and creativity to the task and, in turn, recruited Arnold Palmer to serve as ‘Celebrity Golf Pro’ for the fundraising tournament. Arnold served with Schoeberl for many of the ensuing years, as Schoeberl and his special team built the event into a highly celebrated and enormously successful fundraising tournament, last year raising more than $350,000 for the Aftermarket Foundation.
Bob Hirsch, President of the Aftermarket Foundation, paid tribute to Schoeberl: “Bob was one of those very special guys who is extremely capable, and seem to just exude confidence without even the slightest hint of arrogance. Even during intense project efforts, Bob always seemed relaxed. He was naturally likeable and easy to be with, and made the people around him comfortable and willing to follow his lead on pursuits to benefit his fellow man. He was an immeasurably valuable resource to the Aftermarket Foundation and he will be sadly missed.”
Joe Mittelman, Foundation Vice President, said: “While we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate a wonderful, balanced and generous life. Bob had a passionate love for golf, and if it was his time, it seems to me that, in taking him in that way, God was saying thanks to Bob, for his years of goodwill and sharing of his talents for the benefit of others.”
In honour of a very special man who devoted his life to the Aftermarket and its people, the Board of the Aftermarket Foundation has announced that it will rename the annual tournament The Aftermarket Foundation – Bob Schoeberl Memorial Tournament and the winner’s trophy will be named The Bob Schoeberl Cup.
Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.
