Robert Wayne Schmeling

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Robert WayneSchmeling, at age 79. Bob was born November 28, 1945 in Watertown, SouthDakota, and passed on December 23rd 2024 in Vancouver, Washington. Ourone in a million guy, husband, brother, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, andfriend succumbed to a rare terminal neurological disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) just 11 days after being diagnosed.Bob was the loving son of Robert and Florence Schmeling, and the big brother tofive sisters Debi, Lynda, Sue Marie, Patti and Bobi Jo, who adored him verymuch.Bob spent his early years making memories with childhood friends in Watertownbefore the family moved out to their farm in South Dakota. Many recall stories ofhow Robert always loved roaming the land, riding horses, showing sheep andhad a fond affection for all birds. He especially had a passion for raising pigeonswhich continued throughout his life.In 1960, he and his family moved from the farm in South Dakota to Vancouver,Washington. The Pacific Northwest was his home. However, he loved nature,sunshine and all bodies of water and could often be found sitting beside his wifeCheri on the dock of the bay in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, Cabo San Lucas,Mexico and Pacific City Oregon. Many of these times were shared with thecherished friends and neighbors they had made through their 27 years together.After graduating from Hudson's Bay High School in 1964, he proudly served inThe Army National Guard. Through the years he worked at Justin Photo, Alcoa,Armour Meats and was a Longshoreman. He especially enjoyed the time hespent working beside his father in the family upholstery business. He loved allvarieties of music and dancing, and enjoyed teaching disco dancing, all whileraising his growing family. He decided to follow his mother's footsteps into realestate which led him to find his niche in land development, individually, withfamily and his longtime partner Robert Wayne Kanna. Later on he loved workingin his beautiful yard, traveling, and seeing friends over coffee, at breakfast, orgatherings at Jollies & Jakes, among other places. He enjoyed all sports, with his favorite being boxing. In the earlier years he was a boxer and enjoyed being atrainer and cornerman while coaching his sons. He supported the kids in allsporting events, or any activity they chose to participate in. He stayed in greatshape all of his life and took great pride in his ability to do pushups almost dailyfor every year of his age.Bob married his high school sweetheart Linda Wellman for round one. They werethe proud parents of Richard James and Robert Dean. Later, for round two, hemarried Sherri Long and together they had three beautiful daughters Tiffany,Amanda and Brandi. Through this marriage he also gained a stepson, TroyJohns. Round three was the charm. He met his soulmate Cheri Jollie, and theyenjoyed over 27 years side by side.He not only leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories but also aheavily saturated family tree of information that he poured hours of his time intofor over 25 years. Genealogy was not just a hobby but a love language that Boboften tried to speak to anyone who would listen. Those stories would often startwith "This is your great, great, great..." and so on. He cared deeply about hisfamily and wanted everyone to know that no matter how their path brought themto him that he would show you that you belong and exactly where your storystarted.Bob's love and devotion for his family and friends was unconditional. He wasknown for his kindness, generosity, and the warmth that he brought to everyonehe met. He had kind piercing blue eyes, a contagious smile, and a heart of gold.He was a true gentleman from a time when a handshake, your word, and yourname was honored and meant everything.He is survived by his wife Cheri, children Richard, Robert, Troy (Allison), Tiffany(Shane), Amanda (Terrance) and Brandi (Jory). His sisters, Debi, Lynda, Patti,Bobi Jo and brother-in-laws Mike and Rick. Grandchildren Alec, Giovanni, Makai,Nia, Bo, Asa, Isaac, Xander, Caden, Hailey, Levi, Robert, and Great GrandchildAdahlia. Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and true friends. He waspreceded in death by his parents Bob and Florence, and sister Sue Marie. A Celebration of Life will be planned towards Summer to be announced at a laterdate when the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at ThePeace Health Neurological Unit and the staff at The Ray Hickey Hospice Housewhich supported the family and cared for him in his final days.Donations may be made to the Ray Hickey Hospice House, or any organizationsof your choice in his name. He will be deeply missed, always loved, cherishedand forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.May he rest in love & peace. "Slainte' & Bubbles Up

Robert Wayne Schmeling

November 28, 1945 - December 23, 2024