Robert Schutt

Robert Schutt, 88, took his last breath in the early morning hours of September 26, 2023 after enduring a lengthy and painful illness. Robert died peacefully with loved ones by his bedside at his family farm just miles south of Beulah, North Dakota. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Friday, September 29, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beulah with Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard officiating. Burial will follow at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery, south of Beulah.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

 Robert was born on November 10, 1934 to Joe and Bridget (Keller) Schutt, followed by Jack and Sylvester - on the family farm south of Beulah – which went on to become the Jack Schutt Family Farm.

In his younger years, Robert worked as a laborer on various construction projects. While working alongside a fellow laborer, Norbert Freitag, an introduction was made between Robert and Norbert’s younger sister Alberta. Robert and Alberta were married on June 3, 1961 in Glen Ullin, ND. Robert and Alberta purchased an existing farm south of Beulah and started farming in 1961. Not long after, Robert and Alberta gave birth to two sons Kevin and Keith. Robert, Alberta, and their 2 sons raised and harvested small grains, beef cattle, other livestock, and yet still found enough daylight to run a dairy operation.

Robert’s favorite tractors were exclusively John Deere except for one Minneapolis Moline (gasoline guzzler) that he owned in the mid 70’s. The love and dedication to John Deere tractors passed on to Robert’s grandchildren and great grandchildren – to the point where you may find more John Deere memorabilia in their homes than in his own home. Robert’s children, grandchildren, and even some great-grandchildren - have lent a hand or two on the family farm over the years.

Milking cows was a twice daily job (non-negotiable, no days off) for Robert and Alberta until their retirement in the late 1990’s. Robert decided he wanted to continue raising crops and beef cattle during his retirement years to keep himself busy, which he did for the better part of 20 years. Robert enjoyed many summers when the grandkids would come for school break. He would always like to hear what the schools were teaching the kids “nowadays”. He often had a different opinion and would make sure they heard it whether they wanted to or not. The grandchildren were allowed to work on the farm during the summer. Whether or not they knew at the time, this would have been one of the most important life lessons they ever learned.

In his down time, which wasn’t much because Robert always managed to find something needing done and couldn’t sit still, he enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler to check on the cattle and crops, visit the neighbors, and get the mail. Chances are if you saw Robert on the 4-wheeler, 90 % of the time he would have a 4-legged passenger sitting behind him enjoying the ride.

In the later years of his retirement, Robert enjoyed watching old time black and white western movies, listening to polka music, catching up on the phone with family and friends, and faithfully never missing the latest episode of Judge Judy.

Robert loved his family with all his heart, but he didn’t know how to express it with words. He showed his love with his actions by doing what he felt was best for his family and friends – even if they didn’t agree with his methods. He loved and cared for his wife Alberta more than anyone could ever know. In his last months, the only concern was what would happen with Alberta when he was gone.

Robert is survived by his wife - Alberta of 62 years; two sons – Kevin (Shawnlin) and Keith (Marianne); three grandchildren – Christopher (Andrea), Anna Graves (Mitch), and Bryck; five great-grandchildren - Carson, Myles, Declan Schutt (Christopher); Hollis and Rowan Graves (Anna).

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bridget Schutt; his father and mother-in-law, Albert and Anna Freitag; his younger brother Jack Schutt; and infant grand children: Casey and Corey Schutt (Kevin); Skyler Schutt (Keith).

Arrangements Conducted by Barbot Funeral Homes, Beulah and Hazen.

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