Robert Standerwick

Robert Williams Standerwick, the son of Fleming Revel and Imogene (Schoonmaker) Standerwick, was born on Dec. 27, 1926 at Paterson, NJ. He died at home in Mountain Lake on Dec. 18, 2007. Bob attended high school in Ramsey, NJ and in the spring of his senior year was proud to join the U.S. Army. He served his country for a little over a year in the Pacific Theater at the end of WW II. Because of this, Old Glory was very important to him. He often counted how many people had flags flying outside their homes. Upon his discharge in 1946, the Washington Senators, which eventually became the MN Twins, asked Bob to try out for the team as shortstop. He declined, fearing his small frame wouldn't give him a chance. In the fall of '47, Bob returned to high school to complete his education. There he met his future bride, Madeline. They were joined in marriage on Dec. 17, 1949 in Midland Park, NJ. They enjoyed 58 years and one day of wedded bliss. Shortly after being married, Bob began working for the U.S. Postal Service. He was the first walking mail carrier in Wyckoff, NJ offering superb service by providing two deliveries a day for customers in the center of town. At the time of his retirement, 42 years later, he had accumulated over a year's worth of sick leave. The family became complete when Doug was born in 1957. As Doug grew and became involved in sports, Bob coached many of his teams. Other areas of great pride for Bob included his service for the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Company #1. He was on active duty for 27 years. He also was a Past Master of the Wyckoff Lodge #283. These friends were his second family. Bob and Madeline were very blessed to be able to travel frequently. The United States was very near and dear to Bob's heart. He was excited that he had been to every state, except Alaska. They were also fortunate to visit the British Isles with close friends. Bob's special gift was friendliness. He was very out-going and enjoyed meeting new people. In NJ, Bob and Madeline had many friends because of Bob's easy going nature. After retiring from the postal service, Bob started a second career delivering prescription drugs for a pharmacy in Wyckoff, NJ. He continued this until 1995, when they moved to Mountain Lake to be closer to Doug and his family. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and could not have been prouder of them. Many hours were spent playing ball with Jessica, Kimberly, Lyndsie and Bryan. According to Bryan, gramps taught him everything he knows about sports. When Kimberly was stationed in IRAQ with her National Guard unit, Bob continually asked about her. The most important decision of Bob's life was made on October 18, 1992. He gave his life to the Lord that day and was so excited he insisted on being baptized two weeks later. That was an extra special day. Doug was able to baptize his father and youngest daughter, Lyndsie. All of the family enjoyed Bob's heart-felt, but short, prayers at mealtime. After moving to Mountain Lake, Bob and Madeline called the Alliance Missionary Church of Mountain Lake home. Bob is survived by his wife, Madeline Standerwick of Mountain Lake; a son, Doug and wife Martha of Mountain Lake; six grandchildren, Jessica of Mankato, MN, Kimberly of Alexandria, MN, Lyndsie of Arden Hills, MN, Bryan of Mountain Lake, and Nathan and Rachel, both at home; a brother-in-law Rich and Bonnie Gabriel of Hewitt, NJ, nieces, nephews and many friends. The family prefers memorials to the Alliance Missionary Church in Mountain Lake.