Robert "Bob" Louis Van Schelven

Robert “Bob” Van Schelven went home to be with his Lord on June 11, 2026 on Hilton Head Island, SC. He was 94.

Bob was born on April 15, 1932, in Grand Haven, MI to his parents Louis and Hazel Van Schelven. Grand Haven is where he grew up and called home. He loved all sports both watching and/or playing. His favorite team was the University of Michigan wolverines.

In Grand Haven he played and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. His nick name was the “rabbit” because of his quick speed.

He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Business degree. He married his lifelong friend and sweetheart Caroline Joan Zuidema in 1955.

Soon after Bob and Caroline were married, business brought them to Ridgewood, NJ where they raised their 3 daughters. Bob worked for Gardner Denver Tools and finished out his career as a regional sales manager for Stihl Chain Saws.

Bob made a huge impact in Ridgewood where he was very involved with his church as a trustee and elder. But having three girls and loving sports, he got involved in coaching 5th and 6th grade junior football. He was a tremendous mentor teaching these young boys not only about the sport of football but also about life lessons. The boys he coached, many years ago, still remember him today and say that he was a great inspiration to them and that they have carried what he taught them into their adult lives.

After many years in Ridgewood, Bob and Caroline retired to Hilton Head Island, where he and Caroline were very involved in their church here.

Bob was always present for his family. He loved his family and his family loved him. He was so proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren not for what they accomplished but for who they were. He loved being there for their sporting events, cheering them on. And he loved just hanging out with them.

Bob is survived by his wife, Caroline of 71 wonderful years; his daughter Linda and son-in-law Rev. Len Stubbs of Hilton Head Island, daughter Susan and son-in-law Dan Fischer of Midland Park, NJ, daughter Debra and son-in-law Ken Kroslak of Saratoga Springs, NY; six grandchildren Krissy and husband Matt, Matt and wife Kerri, Andrew and wife Laura Lynn, Robert, Christopher and wife Erin, and Daniel; seven great grandchildren Parker, Hannah, Caleb, Anna Kate, Steele, Walker, and Graham and his brother Donn Van Schelven and family. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Van Schelven.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at St. Andrew by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Andrew by-the-Sea United Methodist Church general operating fund.