Roger W. Schmelzer, 78, died March 10, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 21, 1937, to the late Fred Lorna (Schultz) Schmelzer. Roger grew up in Colby, Wis. He married the love of his life, Janice Geiger, and they moved to Burlington, to raise their family, later retiring to Lyons.
He was an avid Packer fan and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved hunting and fishing especially when he got to enjoy some Pabst Blue Ribbon. He liked traveling, particularly to Germany and Northern Wisconsin. He went on numerous cruises. During his adventures he liked to visit different casinos. As outgoing as Roger was his favorite thing was to spend time with his adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Lyons; children, Jackie (Tom) O’Neill, Genoa City, Kim (Vince) Audetat, Lake Geneva, Sue Hawley, Burlington; grandchildren, Erin (Ryan) Cripe, Greenwood, Ind., Brianne (Stacy) Scott, Crystal Lake, Ill., Luke Hawley, Burlington, Ivy Hawley, Burlington; Lauren Audetat, Lake Geneva, Ben Audetat, Madison; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Sophia Scott, Peyton and Carson Cripe, and Lyneah Hawley; his siblings, Fred Schmelzer, Ocala, Fla., Shirley (Morris) Wussow, Wisconsin Rapids, brothers-in-law, Dale (Donna) Geiger, Dorchester, Wis., and Rick Geiger, Washington.
He was further preceded in death by his son, Brian Schmelzer, sons-in-law, Steve Johnson and Mark Hawley.
A memorial service to celebrate his life is Friday, March 18, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 McHenry St., Burlington. Family and friends may visit with family from 10-11:30 a.m. A memorial Mass is at 11:30 a.m.
A special thank you to Aurora Visiting Nurses for the exceptional care and service they provided Roger and his family. Integrity Funeral Services. Waterford, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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