Robert Eugene Schmitz was born in Burke, South Dakota on May 6, 1948 to William Gaylord and Marie Ann (Ertz) Schmitz of Bonesteel, SD where Bob spent his childhood and high school years.
He was taken home to his Lord on November 8, 2011 from results of a sudden stroke.
Bob was united in marriage to Margie Olson Gruenig on May 19, 1983 at Chamberlain, South Dakota. He married into an instant family and was a wonderful father to Brent and Ann Gruenig.
Bob served his country from 1970 to 1972 as a member of the US Army. He served approximately ten years with the South Dakota Recruiting and Retention Force and twenty years fulltime with the 200th Engineer Company. Most of His thirty years of fulltime employment with the SDARNG was focused on ensuring Unit Readiness and taking care of the soldiers.
Bob and Margie moved to Montana in 2008 to be closer to their daughter, her husband and several grandchildren. He loved every minute being “Grandpa” with all twelve of his Grandchildren. He enjoyed his retirement working at his part-time job at Shopko and fishing/hunting with his buddy Jim. He worked hard as a resident and member of the board in Bryant Acres where he lived and took much pride in this new development. His faith grew with his membership in the First Presbyterian Church, Small Group Ministry and other events.
Thankful for the memories and sharing his life is his wife, Margie; Son Brent and Grandson Adam Gruenig of Winamac, IN; Daughter and Son-in-law Ann and Todd Clark and Grandchildren Isaac, Gabe, Sarah, Silas, Hannah, Elizabeth, Emeline, Anthony, Veronica, Sophia and Lucia of Helena, MT. His sisters Shirley (Ken) Pistulka of Grinnell IA, Patty (Eben) Bailey of Bonesteel SD, Carol (Dan) Pistulka of Omaha NE, Donna Schmitz of Gregory SD and Brother Leroy Schmitz of Platte SD plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob leaves many friends, which was everyone he met, along with his SD National Guard family.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his step-dad Pete Cozad and his sister Marlene Schmitz.
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Life is what we are alive to. It is not length but breadth …Be alive to … goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God, and eternal hope. Maltbie D. Babcock
The family will receive friends at 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12th at First Presbyterian Church. Interment with military honors will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 14th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Andy and Stacie Conner says
Margie we are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man. Andy always enjoyed golfing with him on your visits to Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Andy and Stacie Conner
Bob Weyrich says
The world will only be less if we forget Bobs giving and service to others and our country. My most sincere condolences on his unexpected passing.
Carmen & Jim Keyes says
Margie, Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
DEAN & DARLA HUNT says
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BOBS PASSING.WE WISH TO SEND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WE WISH WE COULD OF MADE IT OUT THERE.AGAIN WE ARE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU
Donna Bley says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob’s family. I worked with him at Shopko and he always had a smile on his face for everyone.
Dori Krenke says
Margie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a special Angel you now have watching over your family. May God continue to give you His strength to get through this loss. May God Bless you, the Krenke and Gunderson families
Jerad & Holly Evans (Farnsworth) & family says
Margie, Ann, & family,
We are saddened to hear about the loss of Bob. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Jerry and Brenda Schutz says
Margie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We, and our entire neighborhood will miss Bob so much.
With our deepest sympathy.
Jerry and Brenda Schutz
Jerry and Brenda Schutz says
Margie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We, and our entire neighborhood will miss Bob so much.
With our deepest sympathy.
God Bless you.
Karla Kuiper says
Just want to send you our deepest condolences. We are keeping you and your entire family in our prayers Margie, as you struggle through this time of loss. We have shared many good memories around our household of Bob and yourself from your days of living here in Pierre. Hang tight to all of your precious memories. We are sending our love your way – Doug, Karla, Kendra & Kayla Kuiper
Leah Butkay says
Margie and Family;
I am very sorry for the sudden loss of Bob. We just were sitting with him at Arniel’s memorial. It was a honor and privelege to have known and worked with Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Leanne DuVall says
Margie,
Jim and I are sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our prayers.
Louise Olson says
Just sitting here thinking of you, Hon, and wishing I could be with you. Just living in memories of my “Bobby”. Hang in there dear, it never gets lighter, but God helps us in many ways. Love you, Mom
Michele Farris says
Margie and family we are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may God comfort you through this difficult time. Jon and Michele Farris family
Mike and Sarah Birnbaum says
Margie and family, so sorry to here about Bob. Mike and Sarah
Tom & Cindy Selland says
We just read about Bob in the paper. We are so sorry to hear the news. We must have known in our hearts something was wrong because we were just thinking about you all awhile ago. We are thinking about you now and truly hope you are doing well. Bob was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many. Take care and let us know if there is anything we can do. Please stay in touch.
With Love and sympathy,
Tom & Cindy Selland (kenny, teresa & kimberly)
311 E. King
Chamberlain, SD 57325
Tonna and Joe Strasko says
Margie,
Our prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Tonna and Joe
Trevor & Nancy McDonald & Family says
Margie and Family
So sorry to hear about Bob passing. Brent called and let us know about the situation and our hearts fell. Bob is (not was) a great man who tried to teach a couple of imature boys a few things about growing up. As I look back both Bob and you Margie were a second set of parents whose company I enjoyed. Wednesday evening I informed dad of Bobs passing and his first response was “He was a good man”. Take care during this mournfull time. We love you all.