Robert Neuenschwander

Robert C. Neuenschwander, age 86, passed away at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. He was born on June 8, 1922 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Otto Chester and Velma Myrtle Sim Neuenschwander. A lifetime resident of Scott City, he was the owner and operator of Roberts Jeweler's in Scott City for over 42 years. After graduating from Scott Community High School in 1940 he was employed by the First National Bank in Scott City for two years. Robert enlisted in the Navy Air Corp in September of 1942 to serve in World War II. In 1944 he received his pilots wings and as a Junior First Class Lieutenant he flew supplies and mail to Midway Island. In 1946 he attended and graduated from the American School of Watchmaking in Los Angeles, CA, and completed his courses in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America. On March 17, 1947 he opened Roberts Jeweler's in Scott City, moving in 1982 to a larger store. Robert was a life time member of the VFW Post #7773, serving as Post Commander, a lifetime member and Past President of American Legion Post #183, a lifetime member of the Anthem Masonic Lodge #284, Lifetime member of the Scott County Shrine Club all of Scott City, and The Scottish Rite of Freemasonary, and the Isis Shriners of Salina. He was a member of the Scott City Chamber of Commerce serving on the Board of Directors and was president when they organized and established The Retail Trades, a new branch of the chamber to attract new businesses into the city and increase the trade area in order to help support the businesses. He served on the USD 466 Board of Education and was president when the Middle School was built. He was also a member of the Gemological Institute of America. He served on the board of directors and was president of the Kansas Jewelers Association. On March 7, 1948 he married Madeline Scott in Scott City, Kansas. On July 15, 1979 he married Dixie Cejda in Wichita, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Linda Neuenschwander of Denver, CO; a step son, Dr. Brent Cejda of Lincoln, NE; a step daughter, Brenda Cejda of Scott City, KS; a granddaughter, Dara Burwell of Denver, CO; Two step grandsons, Connor Cejda and Samuel Cejda of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces, nephews, former customers and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2009 with Garee Geist presiding. Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas. Memorials In Lieu of flowers may be give to the Scott County Historical Society % Price & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday.