I hope you are doing ok, Pat! Sure doesn't seem like it's been a year already. Love always, patty

Dear Pat, Marcia, Laura and Jennifer,

I only recently heard about Bob's passing.  I am very sorry for your loss. 

I first met Bob when I rotated through his office as a fourth year student at ICO.  We hit it off and as luck would have it, he was looking for a new associate when I graduated. I entered into practice with Bob in the summer of 1976.  We worked together for 4 years and left when my wife Elaine entered seminary.  I learned a lot about optometry, practice, and life from Bob and that experience shaped the rest of my optometric career.  

We kept in touch until I moved to Minnesota to join the staff at Mayo Clinic.  I'm sorry that I hadn't talked with him in recent years, but his memory will always be with me.  

He was a wonderful human being who cared deeply about his patients, the profession, and his family.  We are all better for having known him.

Dennis Siemsen, OD

Where do we begin? Bob has been a beloved member of our family ever since Pat’s and his wedding day, May 16, 1987. We’ve always been thankful that we live in the area and have been able to do so many things together. One of our favorite things has always been sharing birthday lunches with each other. The attached photo is of Bob‘s 85th.  We were blessed to spend a few precious moments with Bob the night before his trip to OSF. We were able to exchange hugs and “love you’s”!  We will always remember his last words to us, “ We will have to get together for lunch sometime.”  Sure wish we could.  We will continue this tradition with Pat and raise a a glass in remembrance of Bob. You will always be our favorite brother-in-law. Rest in peace, dear Bob! We love you and Pat very, very much.

Where do we begin? Bob has been a beloved member of our family ever since Pat’s and his wedding day, May 16, 1987. We have always been thankful that we live in the area and have been able to do things together. We will definitely miss the birthday lunches that we have shared for many years. The attached is of Bob’s 85th. We were blessed to share a few precious minutes with Bob the night before his trip to OSF. We shared hugs & “love you’s”!  His last words to us were, “We’ll have to get together for lunch sometime. “ Sure wish  we could! Bob will always be our favorite brother-in-law. Rest In Peace, Bob! We love you & Pat very, very much. Ron & Judy

Pat, do you remember the fun we had hanging out with the singles.   Bob joined our group and I  introduced him to you.  And it was love.  You had very happy life together. You made such a cute couple.
Be strong.  May the Lord give you strength to get through this difficult time.  I would love to have lunch with you.

A memory I have of Bob was in 1988 or 1989. We were in Peoria visiting for a few days. Bob was replacing some missing shingles on a detached garage roof at the house where, I think , Beth lived. Bob and I were on the roof when he suddenly fell partially through it. I attempted to pull him up, but Bob said to go down the ladder and put the step ladder up inside the garage. He was able to free himself and safely lower himself down through the hole. He used two different ladders to get on and out of the roof! He had a pretty bruised belly from that roofing job!
Pat was blessed to have Bob for a husband. Bob was a father and grandfather to ALL of their children and grandchildren. Bob was a great son-in-law, a great brother-in-law, a veteran, a family man, a man of faith. Bob was a GREAT MAN and will be missed greatly!
Love and prayers,
Charles and Bertie Zipfel 
Grayslake, Illinois 

I'm so sorry Pat, you have my deepest condolences,  as well as Bob's 3 daughters and Beth's children and all who love him!
God bless you with Love, Comfort and Peace through this difficult time!
Thank you Pat for holding my hand Saturday at Josh's memorial. I love you

My condolences to Dr. Schmidt's family.  He was my optometrist for many years.  We moved to Pekin when I was a child.  My mother asked my optometrist in Olney, IL, to refer me to a doctor in Pekin.  He referred Dr. Schmidt.  I always found him to be a  good person and a caring doctor who wanted the best for his patients.  
May your memories bring you comfort in the coming days.

My sympathy to the family. May God comfort you at this time.

I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss and so very glad that we had the opportunity to meet him a few years ago. (Along with Pat and Laura!) It was wonderful to be able to connect with long-lost family members!
God's blessings on you all, may He be a comfort to you in this time of sorrow, 
Dee Hughes (from the Schmidt Family) 

OBITUARY

Dr. Robert E. Schmidt

March 2, 1936 – June 20, 2022

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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