Robert Dale Schweikhardt

Robert Dale Schweikhardt Robert Dale “Bob” Schweikhardt passed away on July 13, 2026, at the age of 95. Bob was born on September 20, 1930, in Hugo, Colorado, to Ernest and Hattie Schweikhardt, both of German heritage. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Keith; his younger sister, Rita; his son, Kurt; his daughter, Cori; and his first wife, Charlene. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Schweikhardt; his sister, Phyllis Brewer of Denver, Colorado; his daughter, Kim of Grand Junction, Colorado; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. When Bob was young, his family moved to Montrose, Colorado, where his father owned a butcher shop and his mother devoted herself to raising their children while also volunteering at the local hospital. Bob graduated from Montrose High School in 1948 and attended art school the following year. In 1950, Bob married Charlene Tessman of Delta, Colorado. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended the Colorado School of Mines, earning a degree in metallurgical engineering. While working for Dow Chemical Company at Rocky Flats, he continued his education and received a master's degree in engineering from the University of Denver. Bob and Charlene shared 52 years of marriage before Charlene's passing in early 2003. Together they raised three children: Kurt, who passed away at the age of six; Cori who passed away in 2022; and Kim of Grand Junction. In 2006, Bob married Sheila Lyman, with whom he shared many happy years. Bob devoted much of his professional career to the uranium industry. He worked for Union Carbide in Rifle before relocating to Uravan, where he continued his career from 1972 until his retirement in 1994. Throughout his life, Bob embraced adventure, athleticism, hunting, and the outdoors. He was a fine figure skater, ice hockey player, skier, hiker, and an accomplished runner. He completed numerous marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon while in his 50s, demonstrating the determination and discipline that defined his life. A gifted artist, Bob was a prolific oil painter whose creativity extended into cartooning. His cartoons appeared regularly in Varmint Hunter magazine, where he delighted readers with his wit and talent. In the early 2000s, he turned his attention to training bird dogs, a pursuit that became one of his greatest passions. Two of his dogs, Toon and Emma, earned the title of Versatile Champion at the National NAVHDA Trials in Iowa. Bob also authored and illustrated the book Bird Dogs Lightly Done, sharing his knowledge and humor with fellow hunting dog enthusiasts. His illustrations, cartoons, and stories were also featured in Varmintoons and Hunter's Lite. Bob will be remembered for his sharp mind, artistic talent, athletic spirit, love of the outdoors, and unwavering curiosity. He lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, perseverance, and love that will continue through his family and the many lives he touched.