Robert "Bob" Schimelpfenig

Bob was born on August 9, 1940 in Granite Falls, MN near his family’s farm in Olivia, the third of five children to Kalmer and Celia Schimelpfenig.

Growing up a Minnesota farm boy working alongside his family, friends and neighbors instilled in him a tireless work ethic. “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right,” was a saying that he passed down to all of us along with a German saying from our Grandpa Kelly, “Immer lustig, immer fleisig, immer in der arbeit” – which essentially means, “always work hard and always have fun when you’re hard at work.”

During those early years on the farm Bob realized an affinity and immediate connection with nearly all animals. A capable horseman, hobbyist dairyman and lifelong pet owner, his compassion for all God’s creatures great and small was a testament to his caring and gentle nature.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class fulfilling his duty as a pharmacy tech while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. He was proud to be an American and his service to this country was just one testament to his unwavering commitment to duty, honor and patriotism. When recently asked about his service he quickly replied, “It was the best four years of my life because that is when I first met Jesus!” This would not have happened if not for the ministry of The Navigators, an interdenominational ministry that he continued to support as he shared in their mission “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same®”

After his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to college and through a Bible study with friends met his “Nettie” - Donette Arlene Andrews. Within a year they were married and began building a family together, fulfilled by their four children, Steve, Dawn, Leah & Drew, who were the pride and joy of their lives.

We kids were raised in the security of knowing our parents’ love for each other and for the Lord. Dad kept us playing, laughing and singing while always pointing us to the love of our Savior and the truth of His Word. Our lives were blessed by their demonstration to all of God’s design for marriage until her passing in April of 2015.

During his life Bob fulfilled a nearly four-decade career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, making a significant impact on the lives of countless patients throughout his professional journey. He approached his work with compassion, dedication, skill, humility and a genuine commitment to providing comfort during times of vulnerability.

His passion for his profession and his strong determination to make a difference in the lives of others was further demonstrated in his participation in medical mission trips and community outreach groups.

Bob will be deeply missed by all of those that knew him as a colleague or friend, a brother or Uncle and of course as our “ertliche Vater” and Papa.

Papa Bob left a treasured legacy of love, laughter and faith. His personal relationship with Jesus was apparent to everyone he met and his heart’s deepest desire was that everyone obtain salvation through faith in The Lord Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Donnette Schimelpfenig, his son Steven Schimelpfenig, his parents Kelly and Celia Schimelpfenig, and sister Ellen Butorac.

He is survived by his children Drew Schimelpfenig and fiancé Dawn Elizabeth Schantz of ND, Leah (Kevin) Hodges of AR and Dawn Dobbs of TN.

His grandchildren: Stephanie Ash, Joshua and Heather Dobbs, James and Abby Dobbs, Joseph and Liana Dobbs and John and Jordan Dobbs, Zachary and Katelyn Hodges, and Haden Hodges, his great grandchildren: Draven, Amellia, Addelyn, Hannah and Julie.

What a great reunion it will be when we are all in Heaven together.

iche leibe dich and MIZPAH!

In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance which supports our Service Men & Women and First Responders. Papa Bob was always concerned and intentional in prayer for those who sacrifice for our country and communities. Thank you for donating in his honor.

Link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/sheep-dog-impact-assistance/zachary-hodges-1