Robert Rahaley Schwenter

Robert R. Schwenter, 88, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2026. He was born on June 19, 1938 in Detroit to Robert N. Schwenter and Charlsie Howard Schwenter. His father was killed in a WWII training accident in Montana in 1943.

Bob moved to Traverse City in the fall of 1946 and graduated from Traverse City St. Francis in 1956. He went on to graduate from Northwestern Michigan College and Central Michigan University, with his associate and bachelor’s degrees, and then earned a master’s degree in secondary school administration from CMU. He taught in the Traverse City Area Public School system for eight years and then became principal of Elk Rapids Middle School in 1972, where he remained until his retirement from education in 1993. He was extremely proud of the selection of his school as a State Exemplary School in the 1980s. In 1986, he was named Middle School Principal of the Year by the State Board of Education, and in 1993 he was honored as the Middle Level Administrator of the Year. He served 16 years as a member of the board of directors of the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators including as its president in 1986. He also served two terms on the board of directors of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.

Bob was an avid record collector and big band jazz aficionado. Following his retirement from education, he worked for eight years at The Sound Room in Traverse City, sharing his passion for music with the public. Bob was also a dedicated runner who completed over 200 races in 30 years, including the Chicago, Detroit, and Bayshore Marathons. He especially enjoyed running with his good friend John Jefferson.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Beverly (Carpenter) in 2022. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Michelle Belanger (Tom) of Rockford, Kathy Stewart (Jim) of Estero, FL, Nancy Laubach (Greg) of Traverse City, and Scott Schwenter (Tammy Anderson) of Dublin, OH. He also cherished his 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Kay Coderre (Paul) of Pawleys Island, SC, and brother, Charles Thirlby (Karen) of Kingsley.

His sister, Mary Joy Thirlby, and stepbrother, Thomas Thirlby, preceded him in death.

Bob greatly appreciated the care he received from his hospice nurse Dana during his final months. Donations can be made in his name to Hospice of Michigan. Private services will be held for family.