Robert C. Schutz (1928-2009) | You are missed.

Robert C. Schutz (Jan 23, 1928 - Oct 24, 2009)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Schutz, co-founder of International Restaurant Distributors, loving husband of Judith for 56 years, father of six and grandfather to 19, plus seven great grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by his family, the whole IRD team and the thousands of restaurant industry professionals he has met and worked with throughout his 60 year career. At 81, Bob lived life to the fullest. An integral part of the day-to-day operations of the company he operated with his son Mike Schutz, Bob always said gratefully that he "never worked a day in my life."

Spectacular Send-off
Bob died peacefully in his home on his wife's birthday, amongst all his children and a splattering of grandchildren. His family's spectacular send-off of love and peace ended his courageous and shockingly brief battle with cancer.

Bob Never Retired
He did take Fridays off though...but only since he turned about 77.

Always a smile on his face and cheer in his voice, you could always count on Bob to lift your spirits. Donna Orlandini of IRD sums up Bob easily,

“He was one of the kindest persons I have met. . . . It has been a pleasure working with Bob everyday for the past 16 years. He would come in and always say, ‘Good morning.’ I will miss that. When I had a problem with a job, Bob would always invite me in and put his pen down and listen. His office is quiet now, but his memory will always live on at IRD and we will miss him very much.”

No doubt, it was probably because he programed each day from the start by singing "Oh what a beautiful morning" along with other uplifting show tunes in the shower every day. With his strong and pleasing singing voice, an unrealized second career bubbled in the background.

Fly Bob Fly

Bob's talents didn't end in song. His passion and attention to detail kept him flying his single engine plane up until just a month ago. Spreading his love of aviation to the next generations, Bob was always ready to take anyone for a flight, teaching not only his son John to fly but his grandson Benjamin as well. (See page 8)

Ice Cubes to Eskimos

Bob’s 60-year career started most notably in the refrigeration equipment business, then wound around full circle to the restaurant equipment business which ironically included similar products and manufacturers. It wasn’t unusual in the last 25 years for Bob to run into some of the same people he represented when he operated his own sales agency in Minneapolis from 1953-1984.

“Everywhere we went, people would call out ‘Hi Bob! How’s it going Bob!’ Everyone seemed to know Bob and greeted him with joy,” said wife Judy when reminiscing about conventions attended with Bob in the past.

As top national salesman for many of the years he operated his agency, representing Crystal Tips Ice Machines and McQuay Refrigeration, it was often said that Bob could sell “Ice cubes to Eskimoes.” As the shining star in a chilly mid-western territory including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Bob would always humbly say, “I never sold a thing in my life. I just help people and listen to their needs.”

Bob business acumen and indominable work ethic blended well with his eldest son’s enthusiasm and experience as a corporate executive for a national restaurant chain. In 1984, Bob and Judy along with their son Michael created International Restaurant Distributors and broke ground on their first Dairy Queen franchise in Apopka, FL. They continued to develop this store, opened another, and started the international equipment distribution business, commonly known as IRD. The family business has grown beautifully from a tiny rented office in an industrial complex to their own 13,000 square foot state-of-the-art distribution center, employing 22 people.

Bob and son Mike at work early this year at IRD.

The sunny skies of Florida have stolen the family’s hearts and they only return to their native Minnesota for visits long enough to remind them of the cold they left behind.

To say Bob will be missed by all is an understatement. It’s clear to see his spirit will inspire us daily and he’ll be remembered always!

Bob and his wife Judy and pal Brandy on a recent trip to Lookout Mountain in Alabama.