To Laura, Scott, and Michael, We are so sorry we were not able to express our condolences in person. We have fond memories of attending MHS baseball games and following the team to the Semi-state and State Championships when our children were at MHS, and of Bob as their geometry teacher. We are so sorry for your loss.

Laura, Michael and Scott, First let me express on behalf of my immediate family of the Grothouse’s, Hamer’s and Kinzer’s our deepest sympathies regarding Bob going home to the Lord way to early in life… I don’t recall having the privilege of meeting any of Bob’s family in person over the years. Once I graduated from Munster High School in 1970, I moved to California to play baseball and go to college; and then shortly after getting married moved to Florida where we have lived for over 35 years. However, my sisters who live in Munster and Crown Point have kept me informed about Bob and communications they have had with him. I am writing this note to express my thoughts and to honor not only Bob, but to honor his “standing in the gap and extending the legacy” of those many tremendous men who affected our lives though their coaching and mentoring of many of us at Munster High School. Men who we all recognize, and who choose a career, like Bob to teach and coach … Men like John Friend, Dick Hunt, Mike Niksic, Dave Kerneghan, Mr. Rosonau, Ed Robinson, and Ed Sherry… These men, although on staff at the High School, sacrificed their time and effort to help us become the best athletes and young men we could become… They pushed us and instilled in us an honorable winning legacy which is what Munster High School desired as its reputation which was critical considering we were only the 4th graduating class of Munster High School. These men became an indisputable part of our own life’s history and legacy. However, they are not the only men we should honor along with Bob at this time. I would like to honor those men who coached Bob and I and many others, who were not part of the school faculty, but who volunteered their time and energy without pay; who gave of themselves at Community Park teaching and coaching us in the summers. Men who, like Bob, gave of themselves from unselfish hearts to impact young men at very critical times in our lives. Men like Bob’s father, Robert Shinkan, Ken Grasty, Pete Murphy, Mr. Tredder, Jim’s father, George Brooks, Rusty’s father, Paul Waisnora, Ron and Mike’s father and Mr. Hagberg, Gus’s father. These are men whose dedication to other families and young athletes proved to have tremendous impact on all of us… So in this piece, please know that my desire is to show respect for Bob, his family, his coaching, his teaching and who he still is. In order for us to accomplish this we have to look back and reflect on the legacy of wonderful, strong men who not only taught us about baseball and other sports, but faith, and life. In my opinion, Bob picked up that mantel, and continued that legacy of great men who impacted the lives of so many young men. So on behalf of all your teammates of the 1969-1970 Munster High School Varsity Baseball Team of Bill Bell, Mark Ballard, Rusty Brooks, Ken Detzner, Gary Duffala, Dave Edinger, Dave Morino, Bob and Dave Parker, Gary Starewitz, Mike Waisnora, Roger Weinberg, Dave Wolak, and Denny Borgman and myself, we want to say… “Well done Bob, you did us proud”…. Respectfully, Tom Grothouse

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother.Thinking of you, Barb, and your family.

In memory of Robert "Bob" Shinkan, Nancy Konopasek lit a candle

Our son Denham had the honor of playing for Coach Shinkan last year and will always have treasured memories of him as will we. Sending loving prayers to his wife, children, grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences to Laura, Scott, Michael and their families. The Morris Family

My deepest condolences to the Shinkan family. May God bring peace & comfort during this time. May Bob rest in eternal peace.

Coach Shinkan had an impact on so many lives. I am grateful for all of the baseball memories. Thank You, Coach!

I wanted to thank Coach Shinkan’s family members for sharing him with all of us for all these years. I am grateful to have known him during my formative years at Munster High School. He was a great coach and teacher. He was always such a positive person around us students. The whole Munster community is grateful for everything he represented and achieved and he will be missed. My prayers and gratitude go out to his family at this difficult time.

I am so sorry for the loss bob was such an amazing man and such a kind hearted person he will be missed very much

Thanks for all the baseball memories. RIP

My hearfelt condolences go out to the Shinkan family, especially to Barb (Bob’s Sister). Our families were very close, so I grew up with Bob. He was always kind, full of life, but loved to keep you on your toes by teasing you. He lived for his sports. He will be missed, and as they say, “ The good die young”. Rest in Peace Bobby?.

My hearfelt condolences go out to the Shinkan family, especially to Barb (Bob’s Sister). Our families were very close, so I grew up with Bob. He was always kind, full of life, but loved to keep you on your toes by teasing you. He lived for his sports. He will be missed, and as they say, “ The good die young”. Rest in Peace Bobby?.

Prayers to your entire family. May Bob rest in peace with the grace of our lord.

Sending my condolences to the family for your loss. Shink was my volleyball coach my Freshman year at MHS and my Geometry teacher in the 10th grade. He had the happiest demeanor and was a positive influence during my years at MHS.

Sadly I never had him for a teacher but whenever I passed him in the hallway he always had something nice to say ?

May Bob’s memory be forever eternal. My condolences to Bob’s family. God bless!

My Thoughts & Prayers are with the entire Family in this time of need ! May he Rest In Peace ! ?

My Thoughts & Prayers are with the entire Family in this time of need ! May he Rest In Peace ! ?

Oh my gosh I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I never had him as a teacher but I always talk to him in the hallways. He seemed like such a great man. My friends that I knew that had him in high school said what a great teacher he was. He was a Munster High School teacher. couldn't get any better than that. Please know that me and my family will have you when our thoughts and prayers.

Bob was like family to us. He fought a brave fight. We truly loved you and will miss you always. Enjoy those Angel wings! Love, Leroy & Jamie

Bob was like family to us. He fought a brave fight. We truly loved you and will miss you always. Enjoy those Angel wings! Love, Leroy & Jamie

Laura and family, so sorry to hear about Bob, thoughts and prayers to you all. Bob made my years involved with the old Munster pool very enjoyable. He was a really great guy.

You were a amazing person you inspired so many people! Rest easy❤️

Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a wonderful person.

Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a wonderful person.

Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a wonderful person.

I knew of Shinkan back when I was in High School. While we weren't particularly close, he was a great teacher, both in the classroom and on the field. My condolences are with his family.

In memory of Robert "Bob" Shinkan, Carmen Zoppetti lit a candle

In memory of Robert "Bob" Shinkan, Dave szakacs lit a candle

Memories eternal. God bless his family in this difficult time.

My sincerest condolences to the Shinkan family. Bob Shinkan touched the hearts of all of his athletes and their families. He will always be Coach Shinkan to my son, Brandon and myself and all of his players. He was a great Coach. He will be greatly missed.

God Bless Bob in Heaven...Memory Eternal!

Condolences to the family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God guide you all during this difficult time. Deborah Rice

My childhood memories of Bobby are heartwarming and numerous. We grew up in a house of laughter (thanks to dad), Romanian upbringing (thanks to mom and grandma), and travels to the beach and Michiana Shores! His baseball days started early in Little League and continued throughout his life. Well done Brother - you have earned your wings❤️.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.