Bob Schaupp, former president and CEO of WI tanker company, passes

Memorial candle on black background

Robert “Bob” James SchauppRobert “Bob” James SchauppRobert “Bob” James Schaupp, a fixture in both Wisconsin and national trucking industries, died earlier this month. He was 95 years old.

Mr. Schaupp served as president of LCL Transit and chairman of the board for P&S Investment Company—which includes LCL Bulk Transport, a leading food-grade tank truck carrier.

He joined LCL Transit Company in Green Bay in 1957 and played a pivotal role in its growth and success. Under his leadership, LCL in 1983 became P&S Investment, which includes six operating companies: LCL Transit, LCL Bulk, HFCS Transport, Stellar Express, LDS Express, and St. Joe Express.

He served as chairman of the National Tank Truck Carriers in 1990. In addition to serving as NTTC chairman, he received the NTTC Lifetime Service Award in 2014 and NTTC’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. He also was a past chairman and long-standing executive committee director for the the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, and served as the association’s delegate to the American Trucking Associations.

“Bob Schaupp’s legacy in the trucking industry and beyond will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him,” NTTC said in a news release. “NTTC extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Born on Feb. 25, 1929, Robert was the second of two children born to Henry and Ida Schaupp of Wausau, Wisconsin. He married Joan Ann Pomprowitz on Sept. 4, 1956. They were married for over 67 years.

Mr. Schaupp attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating in 1951 with a degree in economics. He remained a strong supporter of the college the rest of his life.

He was drafted by the U.S. Army after college and spent most of his time in Post Intelligence at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

He was married to Joan after returning from Alaska and in 1957 joined LCL Transit Company, which was founded by his father-in-law in 1926.

After serving in a variety of management roles, including personnel, safety, sales and operations, Mr. Schaupp was elected chaiman of the board in 1966. He later became president and CEO of the company in 1981 and it was then reorganized under the name of P&S Investment Company, Inc. in honor of the close business partnership between Robert and Joan (“Pomprowitz and Schaupp”). He often served in alternating terms with his wife as chairman of the board. He worked for the company for over half a century, partnering with his wife to preserve the family legacy.

Mr. Schaupp is survived by his wife Joan Schaupp of De Pere; a daughter Peggy (Eric) Siebert of Lake Forest, Illinois; a son Fritz (Melissa) Schaupp of Wilmette, Illinois; a son Hans (Mary) Schaupp of Allouez, Wisconsin; a daughter Ilse (Chuck) Sidles of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A private Mass of Christian burial was held for Mr. Schaupp. 

Memorial gifts can be sent to the Door County YMCA or the Ephraim Historical Foundation.