Robert Frank Schmaltz

Robert Frank “Pops” Schmaltz, age 93, was baptized into the hope of Christ’s Resurrection on January 16, 2017. He is the beloved husband of the late Blondell Powell Schmaltz; dear father of Gary (Janet) Schmaltz, Karen (Gene) Kaufmann and Cindy (Ron) Roma; loving grandfather of Krista (Rob) Merhar, David (Isabela) Schmaltz, Amy (Michael) Conner, Adam Kaufmann, Tom (Shayla) Roma and Stephan Roma; and beloved great-grandfather of Luke, Matt, Cason, Ella, Henry, Gabriela, and one on the way. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Ray (Bonnie) Powell

Mr. Schmaltz was born at home in south St. Louis County on January 28, 1923, a son of Herbert and Katherine Schmaltz, nee Neubauer.

Pops was a proud U.S. Army World War II Veteran serving with the Engineers 850th from 1943-45. He was awarded four bronze stars for his service in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.

After the war he returned to St. Louis where he married, raised a family and worked as a railroad detective. Pops loved his family like no other, as well as his dogs, his country and his church. During his lifetime he attended Gethsemane Lutheran and Peace Lutheran Church.

A hard worker, Pops held two jobs to support his family. He kept busy even when relaxing… fishing and smoking cigars, eating ice cream, taking drives through Jefferson Barracks, watching his stocks and doing crossword puzzles.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His eyes lit up at the sight of his great-grandchildren.

Pops is another of the dwindling ranks of the “Greatest Generation,” that fought in World War II and witnessed rapid changes in politics, technology and society.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to Park Place Assisted Living for the kindness and care given to Pops for the last two years and Heartland hospice for its support during the last few weeks.

A funeral service will be at 4 pm Thursday, January 19, at Peace Lutheran Church, 737 Barracksview Rd, St. Louis, Mo. 63125. Visitation is from 2 pm until time of service. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 9:30 am, Friday, January 20. Those wishing to attend the committal service are requested to arrive at Peace Lutheran Church by 9 am to line up for the procession to the cemetery.

Memorial Donations are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or St. Jude’s Research Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of Hoffmeister South County Chapel, Saint Louis, MO.