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 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.  He is survived by his siblings Randy (Beth) Schmeltz and Lisa (Ron) Rose, nieces Audrey (Josiah) Conley, Eliza (Brian) Stella and Camille (Robert Walsh) Rose, Anna Schmeltz (Sophia), as well as a host of cousins, Aunt Wanda Jones and the Couch family who will 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 1920’s, “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 everyone’s heart that had the pleasure of knowing him; family, friends, co-workers. 

Next to family, GOLF was a near tie to his 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 5 finishes.

Roger excelled in anything he touched:  Golf (5 hole in ones), Bowling:  Classic league for many years (5 “300” games).  Carpentry: His expertise and ability were second to none.  A jack of all trades.

In his career he worked for Bendix for 10 years, and Modern Kitchen Distributors for 38+ years.

A “die hard” Cubs fan, Notre Dame fan (ushered football games for 10 years).  An all around “sports” guy, and GOLF.  The Masters was his favorite golf tournament of all.  And 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, and the many nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital and the caring staff at Center for Hospice.

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 “In Memory of”:

  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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