Robert J. 'Bob' Schmelzer
July 17, 1928 - August 17, 2011
Obituary
MADISON-Robert J. “Bob” Schmelzer, age 83, died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. He was born on July 17, 1928, in Avoca, the son of Roy and Baptista (Dolan) Schmelzer. He worked for Holtzman/Harlan Sprague Dawley until his retirement, but was also an avid farmer for many years. Bob enjoyed more than 53 years as an official for NASCAR, Artgo and local short track stockcar racing. He has been a member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ for 49 years. Bob is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Darlene; children, Norman (Diane) Schmelzer, Christine (Richard) Bavery, Gary Schmelzer, Tena (Daniel) Borgrud, and Keea (Daniel) Sainsbury; nine grandchildren, Tara, Andy, Ryan, Brad, Cory, Ashten, Alyssa, Chad and Josh; and eight great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Monsignor Delbert Schmelzer of Madison, LaVon Vorndran of Madison, Jacob (Rosemary) Schmelzer of Highland, Suzette Yager of Mineral Point and Patsy Pustina of Highland. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Alvin Schmelzer; mother, Baptista Anna Dolan; brother, Patrick L. Schmelzer; brothers-in-law, Louis Yager and Norbert Pustina; nephews, Jacob Schmelzer, Jeff Vorndran, and Dan Yager. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday. The family would like to thank doctors, Dr. Paul, Dr. Wegenke, Dr. Ann, the HospiceCare staff, the Drury family, George and Lily and Norma Baker, and the racing family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to HospiceCare, Second Harvest or a charity of your choice.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to HospiceCare, Second Harvest or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday.
Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding.
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Memories
JF
Jack Freeberg
Other •
Worked with Bob,Norm an Gary for many many years at different race tracks and always enjoyed them. The whole family over the years were very good to me an I enjoyed all of them too. Still hope to see Gary an Norm but with all my problems I don't get around to good any more.
DK
Dennis Krause
Other •
My deepest sympathies to the family of Bob Schmelzer. It won't be the same going through the pit gate at Madison International Speedway and not sharing a few words with him. So glad he was able to appreciate the race named in his honor earlier this summer. He was very proud of it.
SA
Stephanie Arndt
Other •
Bob was a great person and I considered him part of my family. I looked forward to working with him every Friday and I had a great time working with him too. I learned a lot from him and of course a lot about racing too. He knows a lot of people too. I am not sure how the rest of the year is going to go without seeing him at the pit gate at MIS when I look across the driveway and not see my coworker anymore. He made my job much easier at the pit gate and we had fun too. I have missed him the last few weeks, his smile, his character and just Bob being Bob. He is dearly missed and will be thought of very often. I will never forget the days he yelled at people that were not following the rules at the track and his great sense of humor. He is a true hero for me and a very special person that will never be forgotten!
PL
Pete and Sandy Leydorf
Other •
Dear Schmelzer,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of Bob. He was a welcome sight at many of the race tracks in the region and it was always a pleasure to see him. RIP Bob.
KK
Kathy Kraus
Other •
I would just like to send our family's condolences to Bob's family. I will miss his big smile & hug that he always had for me at the racetrack. My kids enjoyed hearing stories from him about racing in the ReMax days! The #9 Kraus team will miss him very much!