Roger Lynn Schmeltz

Two hearts that beat as one, always and forever babe…

After battling acute myeloid leukemia and heart disease for the last 15 months, an infection ended his fight on the morning of April 4, 2024, at home, with his wife at his side. Roger was strong and brave throughout his treatment.

Roger was born to Ralph and Norma (Newhouse) Schmeltz on October 12, 1955. His parents preceded him in death.

On August 11, 1990, he married Margie (Couch) Schmeltz, who survives along with his children: Dan (Amy) Schmeltz, Yvonne Schmeltz, and Roy (Tawny) Dowdy. He was the proud papa of Austin Dowdy and Phin Selden. Roger is also survived by his siblings, Randy (Beth) Schmeltz and Lisa (Ron) Rose; nieces, Audrey (Josiah) Conley, Eliza (Brian) Stella, Camille (Robert Walsh) Rose, Anna Schmeltz (Sophia); as well as a host of cousins, Aunt Wanda Jones and the Couch family, who will all miss him deeply.

He was a man of integrity. He loved his family and extended family on his wife’s side, with his whole heart. He always said he felt he should have been born in the 1920s, “an old soul,” as that period was his favorite music era (Frank Sinatra). His overall demeanor was something to behold.

There was not anything he would not do for family and friends. Roger has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him: family, friends, and co-workers. 

Next to family, golf was a near tie to Roger's love of family. He considered his golf buddies family. In his golfing life, he was a scratch golfer for many years. He won many tournaments over the years with special friends and family members. He won the 1999 South Bend Men’s Metro, a goal he finally achieved after many top-five finishes.

Roger excelled in everything he touched: golf (five holes-in-one); bowling [Classic league for many years (five “300” games)]; and carpentry (his expertise and ability were second to none). Roger was truly a jack of all trades.

In his career, he worked for Bendix for ten years and Modern Kitchen Distributors for 38+ years.

Roger was a die-hard Cubs fan and Notre Dame fan (ushered football games for ten years). He was an all-around “sports” guy, but the Masters Tournament, was his favorite golf tournament of all. He was blessed to have been to Augusta in 2006.

We all want to thank the following for their compassionate care:  Dr. Dupre and staff; Dr. Durr; the many nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital; and the caring staff at Center for Hospice Care.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Knights of Columbus, 61533 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN.

In leu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to: 1st Tee Indiana/Michiana, 718 E. Calvert, South Bend, IN 46613; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Attn: Donor Services (for AML Research), P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; or Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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