Roger Clair Schmelzer, son of Otto and Edith Van Sickle Schmelzer, was born February 22, 1939, at West Union, Iowa. He received his education at the parochial school in West Union and North Fayette High School.
On August 29, 1959, he was united in marriage with Charlotte Echelberger at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Roger worked for a time at Gamble’s in Ft. Dodge and after moving back to the area worked for his father in the painting and wallpapering business. He then worked for Dessel’s Furniture in West Union for 37 years prior to retiring in 2001.
His death occurred following an illness at his rural Hawkeye home on Thursday, March 5, 2009. He was 70 years old.
In addition to is wife, Charlotte of Hawkeye, he is survived by two daughters, Rogina (Kurt) Ungerer of Bentonville, Arkansas and Lori (Ruffin) Jarman of Surf City, North Carolina; one son, Roger Schmelzer, Jr. of Granby, Missouri; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert, Dale, and Max; and two sisters, Lorraine and Zaidia.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye with Rev. Roland Waterman officiating. Friends may call for one hour preceding services at the funeral home on Sunday.
