Robert L. Schmierbach, Sr.

Robert L. Schmierbach, Sr., 78 of Waterloo, IL passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday June 30, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Floraville, IL on February 4, 1943 to Raymond and Luella Schmierbach, nee Koerber and they precede him in death.

Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Upon returning from active duty, he began a long career as a carpenter. He was an incredibly hard-working man and was known for his ability to fix anything. Later, Robert drove the transport bus for the Millstadt Senior Center and the tractor for Eckert’s Orchards Pick-Your-Own service. Robert was a volunteer fireman for the Fairview Heights Fire Department and appeared on the air with Jerry Lewis for 18 years during the annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis Telethon raising funds for muscular dystrophy, in honor of his son, Bobby. Robert also served as an umpire for men’s softball leagues in Millstadt for many years and was a long-time member of the Millstadt America Legion. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and was a devoted grandfather to his grandson, JT. Most dear to Robert was spending time with his friends and family and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Klotz, his son, Bobby Schmierbach, Jr, his in-laws, Drucilla and Joseph Zink and his godparents, Leroy and Verida Franke.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 26 years, Catherine Schmierbach, nee Zink of Waterloo, IL whom he married in Las Vegas, NV on April 14, 1995, his sisters; Edna (Bill) Ditch of Millstadt, IL, Renee (Hank) Rohwedder of Belleville, IL, his sisters-in-law; Donna (the late Bruce) Nowak of Belleville, IL, Kay Sabo of Millstadt, IL, Joyce (Warren) Crader of Millstadt, IL and a brother-in-law, Bill Zink of Belleville, IL. His grandson, Joshua Thomas “JT” Klotz of Mt. Olive, IL and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in addition to many beloved friends.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday July 7, 2021 from 9am-11am at Hoffen Funeral Home, 220 W. Washington St., Millstadt, IL. American Legion Service at 10:30am. Memorial Service following at 11:00am at the funeral home with the Reverend Matt Friz officiating. Inurnment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Southern Illinois