Robert Schuster, 62 of Larkspur, Colorado passed away on July 6, 2023. Robert was born on December 22, 1960 in Denver, Colorado to Arthur and Rita Schuster. Robert attended St. Vincent De Paul Catholic School until 7th grade. The Schuster family then moved to the Larkspur/Greenland area of Douglas County. Robert attended Castle Rock Junior High School and graduated from Douglas County High School with the class of 1979.
Robert grew up in an agricultural family, raising cattle. Robert started competing in National Little Britches Rodeos, then progressed to Colorado High School Rodeos. He started riding steers and bulls at the young age of 7 and added Bareback Bronc Riding to his resume in his teens. Robert held a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card for several years. Over his rodeo career he won numerous awards, trophies, and belt buckles. His biggest accomplishment was in 1979 where he qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals in the Bareback Riding with the Colorado State High School Rodeo Team.
He joined the US Navy in 1980 where he served 4 years. He was stationed on the USS Rathburne FF 1057 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he was an Engineman Second Class and was honorably discharged in 1984. His time in the Navy is when his love for mechanic and maintenance work began.
While attending a Greenland Days Ranch BB-Q in July, 1984 he met Rana Louise Mikelson. Robert and Rana were married at St. Peters Catholic Church in Monument, Colorado on July 15, 1985. Their first home was purchased in 1987 in the Founders Village subdivision, in Castle Rock on Rana’s childhood family property. In 1980 they purchased their current small ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, a quarter of a mile from his childhood home.
In 1989 their son Miles Robert Schuster was born. Mallory Louise Schuster was born in 1992, making the family complete. Over the years the family raised bucking bulls and beef cattle. Robert was active in the 4-H program in Douglas County for many years. He and Rana shared leadership of the Cherry Valley Aggies 4-H Club and Robert was a member of the Douglas County Fair Board for many years.
Robert spent 13 years traveling with Miles and Mallory to youth rodeos all over Colorado. Robert was a rodeo judge and helped organize many Little Britches and High School rodeos as well.
Robert loved being in the mountains and outdoors. He was an avid hunter, never missing his annual Elk Hunt. Hunting with his brother-in-law and friends for many years. The last 20 years hunting with his son Miles. Robert moved from rodeo dad to fisherman/dad in 2010 spending as much time as possible in Gunnison Colorado. Gunnison is where he found his greatest passion in river fishing and wildlife photography. He spent many hours fishing with his children and grandchildren, instilling a love for the outdoors in the next generation. He created a calendar every year showcasing his wildlife photography and shared a copy with all his family and loved ones to enjoy.
Robert spent 35 years as the Facilities Maintenance Manager for Intelsat Satellite Corporation at the satellite tracking facility in southern Douglas County.
Robert is survived by his mother Rita Schuster, father Art Schuster, brothers Mark, Jimmy, and Jerry, Schuster wife Rana (Mikelson) Schuster, daughter Mallory Schuster, son Miles Schuster (Sara Schuster), grandchildren Jayden, Kinsey, Sterling, Stone, and Krue.
Robert’s legacy can be felt in the sense of humor, strong family ties, and love of the outdoors he blessed those around him with. In lieu of flowers please share donations to the St. Philip in the Field Episcopal Church in Sedalia, Colorado.
A celebration of life for Robert will be held Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 1300 Caprice Dr, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Schuster family.
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