Robert R. Schwegel, 70, of Helena, MT passed away peacefully at home, in Helena on the evening of October 23, 2022.
Bob was born August 15, 1952, in Bemidji, MN, to Albert and Betty Schwegel. He attended Blackduck, MN schools until 1968 when the family moved to Whitefish, MT, where he graduated from Whitefish High School in 1970,
Shortly after graduating, Bob enlisted in the US Army and attended boot camp at Fort Lewis, WA and Fort Rucker, AL, where he was trained as an Air Traffic Controller before being deployed to Vietnam. In basic, be met his lifelong friend, Bill Beasley (and wife Kathy) who became “our other brother Bill.” Bob spent his Army career stationed at the many bases throughout the USA, Vietnam, and Korea, and he trained many soldiers, including his seven siblings, to the Army way of life. His daughter, Julie, was born on January 9, 1978, while he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ. On June 24, 1989, he married Theora Wallace and gained a stepdaughter, Tia.
After 20 years of service, Bob reached the rank of First Sergeant and retired while serving at Fort Lewis; shortly after, he and Theora moved back to Montana. He continued to serve his country and fellow soldiers and Veterans by his non-stop advocating for their beliefs and rights. He served as Post Commander in Eureka, MT, reached the level of Department Junior Vice, and employed as Department Service Officer, as well as other positions within the Veterans of Foreign Wars Administration. He was also a member of the VFW National Legislative Committee working with Senators on Laws affecting Veterans. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion and Military Order of the Cooties.
Bob enjoyed attending State and National VFW Conventions where he reconnected with long-time friends until his health prevented long trips. He visited daily with Veterans who stopped by the Helena American Legion. He loved hunting, fishing, telling stories and time spent with family. Some of the best memories were made while halibut fishing out of Valdez, AK and numerous family gatherings over the years. No matter how much time was spent apart, the family was always right back at each other teasing and joking as we love to so with Bob right in the middle.
Bob was preceded in death by nephew, Chase Hart; sister, Lori Schwegel; our mom, Betty L. Schwegel and our dad, Albert A. Schwegel.
Bob is survived by his wife, Theora Schwegel of Helena, MT; daughter, Julie O’Shea (Shane) of Coeur d’Alene, ID; stepdaughter, Tia (Ray) Long of Graham, WA; brothers, Thomas (Clarissa), of Whitefish, MT; David (Penny) of Fairbanks, AK; Roy (Cheryl) of Whitefish, MT; Jerry (Christine) of Olney, MT; sisters, Luanne Sagen of Whitefish, MT and Lee Ann Giesy (R.D.) of Whitefish, MT; grandchildren, Jordan Schwegel of Charleston, SC; Conor O’Shea of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Raymond (Tara) Long, of Spanaway, WA; Kayla Long of Chesapeake, VA; Logan Long of Graham, WA; Cassidy (Chase) Harter of Ellensburg, WA, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A memorial service with full military honors, presented by the Eureka VFW Post 6786, will be held in Whitefish, MT on November 5th at 2 p.m. at the Schwegel family home.
Viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a funeral service, with full military honors, to begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9th in at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. A reception will follow the service at the American Legion, 3095 Villard Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Whitefish, Eureka or Helena, or the Helena American Legion in Bob’s memory.
A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work! FISH ON, Bob!
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Wednesday November 9, 2022
American Legion
3095 Villard Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Wednesday November 9, 2022
American Legion
3095 Villard Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Darlene says
Theo and family, Robert was truly a grand human being. He was my mentor when I worked with him at VFW. RIP my friend! GO NAVY! 😉🇺🇸
William Beasley says
Bob and I have been friends for over 50 years. The past few years we’ve had phone calls and text messages. I’m truly at a loss as to what to write about someone who meant so much to my wife and myself.
Ft. Lewis, Ft. Rucker, VietNam, Alaska, Hunting, Fishing, Beer, Whiskey……Wives and kids….a lifetime of memories.
Fish on Bob!
PETER M GARDZINA says
Bob and I worked so many Veteran issues together. He was committed to helping as many Veterans as he could. He spent so much of his time teaching me how to do my part working with Veterans. Thank you Bob!
Pete
Raymond Lutz Sr. says
I met Robert several years age at a VFW convention and he was my service officer when I was the Department Commander. Robert was an outstanding service officer and good friend. The best time I had with him was the night before I was sworn in as the Department Commander. Robert and I both had wigs on wearing lip stick and Tu Tu’s. A little strange but one heck of a good time. I’ll miss you Robert, rest in peace. Your friend Ray