Robert W. Schmidt, 69

Blue Earth — Robert W. “Bob” Schmidt, age 69 of Blue Earth, formerly of Janesville, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 30, 2008 at the Mankato House Health Care Center after a three year battle with cancer.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held April 5, 2008 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville with Father Syl Brown officiating. Interment will be in the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in St. Clair.

Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home in Janesville was in charge of arrangements.

Robert William was born on Nov. 28, 1938 to Robert and Sadie (Risenbigler) Schmidt in Mankato. As a child Bob lived in Mankato and St. Clair. The Schmidt’s moved to Janesville where Bob graduated from Janesville High School in 1956. Following graduation he entered military service in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in Norfolk, Va. He was united in marriage to Shelby Muellerleile on Jan. 4, 1958 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville, and later divorced. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Janesville and joined his father in operating the family business, Bob’s Bar. While in Janesville, Bob was very active in the community including his time as a member of the Janesville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Janesville Chamber of Commerce. Bob ran the bar from 1960 until 1972 when he sold the business and went to work for Famous Brands Inc. as a salesman. Bob was with Famous Brands for five years. He returned to the bar several times in the ensuing years. He later worked as a salesman for Nordaas American Homes, and during that time Bob lived in Elysian and Fairmont before moving to Blue Earth. In 1979 he began a 26 year career with Griggs Cooper, retiring in 2006. In his years with Griggs Cooper he won numerous sales awards. He had a strong commitment to his sales territory, building respect and friendships among his co-workers and customers. Bob was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was an avid hunter, and looked forward to the yearly deer hunting camp. In 2005 he was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout his three year battle with cancer he remained upbeat and optimistic, never losing his sense of humor or quick wit.

He is survived by his four children, Chris (Betty) Schmidt of St. Clair, Connie Brady of Janesville, Mark Schmidt of Inverness, Fla., and Michael (Beth) Schmidt of Great Falls, Mont.; by eight grandchildren, Janel Schmidt, Kevin Schmidt, Brent Brady, Marissa (Brady) Novak, Kristin Brady, Brandon Brady, Blaine Schmidt and Madeline Schmidt; by his four great grandchildren, Gabe, Colton and Hayley Muntean, and Giakobe Brady; by one brother, John (LaJune) Schmidt of Janesville; by his nephews, Joe Schmidt of Fossten and Jim Schmidt of Canby; by his aunt Jean McDowell of Mankato.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Robert Anthony Schmidt on Dec. 27, 1976.