Robert O. Nusbaum

Robert O. Nusbaum, 89, of Venice, FL, formerly of Elkhart, passed away August 2, 2008 at Goshen General Hospital.

He was born to Oliver "Ollie" and Iva Mable (Hooley) Nusbaum on September 25, 1918 in Middlebury Township, Elkhart County. Robert graduated from Jefferson High School in 1936.

He married Pearl Shaffer in June, 1940 with two sons, Keith and Wendell. Pearl died in September, 1953. He later married Beatrice W. Fisher of Union, Michigan in June, 1955. She survives along with their three children, Michael A. (Fran) Nusbaum of Louisville, KY; Robert E. (Jan) Nusbaum of Zionsville and Carol A. Nusbaum of Bristol, IN and his two step-sons, Keith Shaffer and Wendell (Faye) Shaffer both of Elkhart. He leaves 11 grandchildren, Daniel, Michael F. and Ellen Nusbaum of Louisville; Lyndsay and Brendan Nusbaum of Zionsville; Robert Shaffer of Oklahoma; Douglas Shaffer of Goshen, Debra (Shaffer) Lecklider of Indianapolis, Randy Shaffer of Elkhart, Carla (Shaffer) Pontius of Elkhart, and Karen (Shaffer) Nicholas of Indianapolis. He is also survived by a brother Richard of Kendallville and his sister Helen (Ted) Stouder of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and Hubert Nusbaum.

Bob enjoyed working with his hands and inventing new ways to do things. He is the holder of several patents and held numerour jobs throughout his life. He joined Shultz Trailer Co. located on South Main Street in Elkhart in 1936, worked as a mechanic at Pete Fall Ford, and also served as an Elkhart County deputy sheriff for several years. Bob was co-founder of Maple City Bowl in goshen and later went on to establish, own, and operate the Astrobowl bowling center in Dunlap from 1972 to 1982. He retired in 1982.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in world war II.

Friends may call from 4-8 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home in Elkhart and a half hour prior to the 11 am funeral on Wednesday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Cremation will follow services.

Gifts may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church, East Jackson Blvd. in Elkhart where he was a member.

Bob's smile and gentle nature will be sadly missed by family and friends.