Richard Dale Schmelzer, 86, of Oelwein passed away on Saturday January 21, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Tuesday January 24, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein, where there will be a Parish Scripture Service at 6:30 PM and Military Honors at 6:45 PM led by the American Legion Ross Reid Post #9 and VFW post 1725 of Oelwein. There will also be visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM on Wednesday January 25, 2017 at the funeral home.  Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM on Wednesday January 25, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Paul McManus and Deacon Jim Patera officiating.  Burial will be in Hawkeye Cemetery at Hawkeye.  A memorial fund has been established in Richard’s name.

Richard was born on June 13, 1930 in West Union, Iowa the son of Joseph L. and Josephine “Josie” (Blockhus) Schmelzer, Sr.  He attended country school.  Richard then served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.  He was united in marriage with Dorothy Van Sickle on June 6, 1955 in West Union, Iowa. Richard farmed with his family and later on his own, and was a supervisor at Iowa Ham, Retiring in 1992.  When he wasn’t busy working, Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting (both game and mushrooms), cards, gardening, making jerky, visiting with his friends and family and trips to Branson, Missouri. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Oelwein; two sons: Gene (Joan) Schmelzer and Mark (Ann) Schmelzer both of Vinton, Iowa; a daughter, Sherry (Dennis) Zimpfer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren: Brian, Beth, Zachary, Ashley, Alexandria and Brock; three great grandchildren: Natalie, Riley and Henry; a sister, Janice (Allan) Leonard of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, Larry Riley of Fayette, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine; two brothers, Thomas Schmelzer and Joseph L. Schmelzer, Jr.; and a sister, Georgie Ann Riley.