Robert J. Schmelzle

Robert J. Schmelzle, 96, passed away January 30, 2012, at his home with his family by his side. Robert was born on April 23, 1915 in Freeport, Illinois, son of George H. and Elizabeth Grace (Peck) Schmelzle. He grew up in Freeport, graduating from Freeport High School in 1932 where he and future fellow attorney Bert Snow were members of the FHS state championship debate team. As a student at the University of Notre Dame he also distinguished himself in debate, winning the prestigious Breen Medal in 1935. After graduating from Notre Dame College of Law in 1938, he returned to Freeport and set up a law practice with Robert P. Eckert. On November 21, 1940 he married Mary Regan at St. Mary Church in Sterling, Illinois. Bob and Mary made their home in Freeport, raising six children and actively participating in the community. Bob practiced law for over sixty years as a partner in the law firm of Eckert, Schmelzle, and Eckert, and later Schmelzle and Kroeger. During that time he obtained many professional achievements. He was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, served as Referee in Bankruptcy in Illinois, and was Corporation Counsel for the City of Freeport during the mayoral terms of Joe Shelly. Together they were instrumental in bringing Kelly Springfield Tire Co. to Freeport. He was admitted to practice before the Unites States Supreme Court in 1954, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tax Court in 1976. He obtained a Masters of Law in Estate Planning from the University of Miami in 1978. His professional memberships included the Stephenson County Bar Association, The Illinois Bar Association, The American Judication Society, and the American College of Probate Counsel. Bob served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Freeport YMCA, and the boards of Freeport Memorial Hospital and the Sleezer Home. In 1958 he served as chairman of Freeport'™s week-long Lincoln-Douglas centennial celebration and was president of the Lincoln Douglas Society. He served as chairman of the organizational committee of the Freeport Community Chest (now United Way) in 1950 and chairman of the organizational committee of the Freeport Community Trust in 1975. He was a member and past president of a number of organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Winneshiek Players, Freeport Community Chest, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Board of Directors, St. Vincent & St. Francis Board of Governors, United Way Budget Committee, Freeport Catholic Schools Board, and Freeport Rotary where he was named a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and honored with the Community Image Award in 1994. Former Mayor Dick Weis said at the time, 'Throughout Bob'™s life his economic efforts have been astounding. If anybody exemplifies good business practice with good community service, Bob Schmelzle does that. He sets a pattern for us to follow in the future.' Bob was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid reader and scholar and was known for his numerous hobbies including landscaping, carpentry, and gourmet cooking. Bob and Mary traveled extensively, both nationally and internationally. Their favorite place, to which they returned many times, was Italy, especially Rome. They enjoyed golfing, playing cards, attending Notre Dame games, wintering in Texas, and many other activities with their family and friends. Surviving are his six children, Thomas Schmelzle, John Schmelzle, and Stephen (Betty) Schmelzle of Freeport; Kathleen (Larry) Runte, and Mary Ann (Patrick) Best of Freeport; and R. Breyman (Mary Emma) Schmelzle of Tucson, Arizona; one brother, Charles (Patricia) Schmelzle of Freeport, sister-in-law, Leona Jurkens, of Sterling, Illinois; one brother '"in-law, Neil (Eleanor) Regan, of Athens, Texas; grandchildren, Denise (Eric) Hallman, Ted (Nancy) Schmelzle, Patrick (Alivia) Runte, Nolan (Bobbi) Runte, Matthew (Eileen) Runte, Anne (Jeffrey) Hiveley, Maia (Jaime) Pinnow, Ryan Runte, Michael Schmelzle, Jill Schmelzle, Clayton Best, Bridget (Ryan) Schwab, Joseph Best, Erik Schmelzle, Nick Schmelzle; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Graham, Liam, Cecelia, Carter, Victoria, Jacob, Eli, Kaylee, Riley, Ava, Jack, Ben, Will, and Macy. Bob was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 70 years; his parents; and his brothers, George P. Schmelzle and William Schmelzle. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport. Visitation will be on Friday, February 3, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. with a rosary service starting at 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by FHN Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Robert'™s name for Aquin Catholic Schools and Freeport Community Trust.