Robert G. Schick

Robert “Bob” G. Schick, age 90, of Geneva, was called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 19, 2020.  

He was born June 9, 1930 in Oak Park, the son of George and Helen (Duryea) Schick.

Bob graduated from Proviso High School (Maywood) in 1947, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1953 from Bradley University, and his Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Northern Illinois University in 1964. In 1953, Bob was hired as a math and science teacher at Geneva Middle School. He enjoyed telling the story of his commute from Maywood to Geneva when at that time, there were only two stop lights on his 26-mile journey. This would be the start of a 33-year career in the Geneva School District for Bob, as he ultimately moved to the high school and went on to teach physical education and math, and coached at all levels of virtually every boys sport offered. During his career at Geneva High School, Bob held many leadership positions including Head Football Coach (1957-1963), Department Head for Physical Education (1965-1974), Athletic Director (1965-1980), and Boys Varsity Basketball Coach (1969-1980). His favorite role, however, was as assistant coach to Mel Johnson when the 1962-63 Geneva Boys Basketball team made it downstate. His pride of that team and their accomplishment was something he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Bob was also very influential in sharing his Christian faith through athletics. In the mid-1970’s, he led a caravan of Geneva High School athletes to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO for an annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes conference. He would also lead the local chapter of FCA for several years. After he retired from the Geneva school district in 1980, he continued sharing his faith through his teaching and coaching at nearby Valley Lutheran High School/Fox Valley Lutheran Academy from 1985-1995. Bob’s influence on those he taught, coached, and befriended was immense and immeasurable. He had a strong belief in the potential of kids, the goodness of people, and the power of disciplined work. Lasting lessons for us all.

In 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Joyce (Dreier).  They would ultimately settle in Geneva, not coincidentally adjacent to what would become the high school athletic complex. They raised their five children in Geneva and were pillars of the community. The Schick family were charter members of Faith Lutheran Church (Geneva) and longtime members at Lord of Life Church (LaFox), and at Immanuel Church (Batavia).

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years Joyce (Dreier); children John of Tallahassee, Florida, Sandra (Peter) Bohr of Wheaton, Mark (Patti) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Karen of Naperville, and Kurt (Kathy) of Batavia; nine grandchildren (James, Jennifer, and Brian Bohr; Katie, Anne, Andrew, and Maureen Schick;  Dylan and Ellie Schick); five great grandchildren (Finn, Jack, Michael, Joey, and Stella); and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services and interment will be private. A public memorial will be held at a future date.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Bob’s name and directed to the Geneva High School All Sports Boosters: 416 McKinley Avenue, Geneva, IL 60134.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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