ROCKFORD, Ill.––Bob Schou, 87, former president of the North Central Jurisdiction, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference and Rockford District UM Men, died Oct. 11.

“Bob was not only a friend, he was mentor to me and several other men in our district and conference,” said Steve Nailor current president of Northern Illinois Annual Conference UM Men. “Bob was a leader and shepherd of men and their commitment to Jesus Christ.”

Bob started his ministry in 1972 when he became president and established the Rockford District UM Men. He was later inducted into the John Wesley Society and he was named a life member of the Northern Illinois Conference UM Men.

During Bob’s district presidency, he chaired the ushers for the 1984 Rockford District Bi-Centennial Celebration, where more than 5,000 people celebrated 200 years of Methodism.

As district president, he was also instrumental in bringing the Society of St. Andrews to the Northern Illinois Conference. In 2013, the district contributed $9,795.00, and the conference provided $21,101 to the effort to eliminate hunger in America.

From 1996 through 2013, the conference provided $249,000, an amount that provided 16.6 million meals.

Bob was a member of Beth Eden UMC where he served as chair of Finance Committee, Administrative Board and Building Committee. He also served as president of Wesley Willows Corporation and a board member of Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America, Tinker Swiss Cottage, SWIFTT (Southwest Ideas for Today and Tomorrow) and OIC.

Survivors include wife, Mary Ann; son, James (Linda) Schou; daughter, Patti Luevano; grandchildren, Jenny Schou, Brian (Melinda) Schou, Mindi Luevano and Staci (Steve) Otradovec; great-grandson, Brandon; brothers, Frank (Florence) Schou and Wayne (Gayle) Schou.

“Bob was one of the great gifts Christ provided and his legacy will live on for many years,” said Nailor