Robert Cornell Zwemer

Dec. 25, 1945 – Dec. 5, 2025

Robert Cornell Zwemer died December 5, 2025, at his home.

He was born December 25, 1945, in Lovell to Lillian (Mayland) and Virgil Zwemer. Robert attended elementary school in Frannie and junior high and high school in Deaver. He went to NWC for a semester but had to withdraw during his second semester to return to the family farm due to his father’s health. 

Robert married Sharla Engelking in 1967, and they made their home on the farm north of Frannie. They were blessed with three daughters, Tessa (Elias) Jasso, Sharae (Kolt) Bischoff and Jolyn (William) Belk, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

He farmed in the Frannie-Deaver area, growing grain, hay, corn, beans and peas. He raised sheep, pigs, cattle and Pryor Mountain mustangs. He also sold corn seed, crop chemicals, gated pipe and used farm machinery. He loved sharing his farming and animal adventures with his children and grandchildren.

Robert faced many health challenges. A major stroke, when he was 48, left him paralyzed on his left side. He worked hard to walk again with the help of a brace and a cane. He and Sharla moved to Lovell in 2013 to be closer to family and medical help as his health declined. 

Then about 10 years ago he had a second stroke. His walking days were over. Driving his wheelchair was a real challenge due to his left side paralysis. Several years later he lost a leg due to complications from diabetes. He was hospitalized in March of this year and chose to enter hospice to spend his remaining days at home. 

Robert supported his girls and their teammates in their school, sports and music endeavors. His girls knew he was their biggest fan and most vocal supporter. He was a lifelong fan of the Wyoming Cowboys and was always grateful to make the trip to Laramie to attend their games.

Through all the trials and tribulations, Robert kept a good attitude and was a positive person to be around. One of his favorite things to do was to spoil his grandchildren, and he loved to share his knowledge, special treats and love with them. Robert loved to visit with people and always had a joke ready to share. He usually knew their life history by the time the visit was over. 

Robert was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lovell. He proclaimed his faith to all. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Hermina Mayland and John and Etta Zwemer, parents and one beloved sister, Roslyn Hillman. 

He is survived by his wife; daughters and their families; sisters Jennifer (Antonio) Cid, Suzanne (Rodger) Landis and Jacalyn Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held December 20 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church with a viewing at 9 a.m. Burial will be in the Lovell Cemetery immediately following the service.