Robert Lautenschlager

BORN: August 14, 1920 in Oshkosh, WI

DIED: Jan. 2, 1975, Oshkosh, WI

Robert Lautenschlager, nicknamed "Chobby", was a very popular artist in Oshkosh - his lifelong home.

Early newspaper articles from the 1930’s report Lautenschlager winning art awards in school for safety poster contests, etc. Evidence that at a very young age, he began demonstrating his talents.

Lautenschlager attended, but did not finish high school. He was drafted into the army in WW2 & served in North Africa. While in service, he drew cartoons - which were widely published.

After the war, he returned home to Oshkosh, and with the help of the GI Bill, enrolled in the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. However, his attendance at Layton was short lived. He told people he wasn’t learning anything he didn’t already know.

His works became very popular in the 1960’s and 70’s with Oshkosh residents. But you didn't - and won't - find his work in galleries, shoppes, boutiques or museums. Reportedly, he would use his paintings to barter for what he needed or as a gift on special occasions. When he needed some money for dinner, drinks or entertainment, he would just sit down and paint something...a portrait or two (which he often did in pairs), or a wildlife scene which he produced quickly with less need for nuance and blending of color. He would usually sell them word of mouth through friends, acquaintances and some of the numerous taverns up and down Main Street.

One of his more impressive works is at Shoreview Bowling Lanes on Murdock St. in Oshkosh. In the 1960’s, Lautenschlager was commissioned to paint a wall length mural at the alley. He also painted murals for local businesses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Lautenschlager was a very private person who died of a heart attack on January 2, 1975, literally on Main Street. He was 54 years old.

Robert “Chobby” Lautenschlager was one of those notable characters that made Oshkosh what it is today.