Surrounded by family, Robert L. "Bob" Schmitz, 82, of Rapid City, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Bob was born in Deadwood on October 13, 1934 to Henry Schmitz, Jr. and Lylah (Temple). He grew up on the Schmitz family ranch near Nemo. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1952. After graduating from high school, he met his sweetie, Mary Ann "Mickey" Johnston. They were married in Rapid City on June 26, 1954, and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together.

Bob started his working career as a business owner with his brother, Paul. They owned and operated a filling station on the corner of West Omaha and West Boulevard. After that, he pursued the trucking business. He drove over the road for several trucking companies over a span of 30 years, eventually starting his own owner/operator "U Lazy 2" trucking company. He was very proud of his Peterbilt trucks. In addition to working in the trucking business, he operated the Schmitz family ranch for many years. Unable to slow down because of his hard-working ethics, he had a short-lived retirement. He returned to work as a heavy haul truck driver for Rapid Construction, where he ended his working career.

Bob will be remembered as the "neighbor" you could always count on - the man with the helping hand and big heart. He would plow your driveway, loan you his tools or equipment, give you can of gasoline, or help you in any way he could. He volunteered with the Doty Fire Department for many years and served on the board, as well.

Amongst his hobbies, he was an accomplished wood worker, where he made incredible keepsakes for his grandchildren and other gifts for friends and family. Another of his true enjoyments was being a part of the Black Hills Mounted Shooters, where he was known as "Jack Pine Bob." Bob was a life-long hunter and enjoyed his time as the camp leader at the family's hunting camp outside of Nemo. Much of his hunting enjoyment came from mentoring his grandsons and taking elk hunting trips with his son, Bobby, and friends to the mountains of Wyoming. He spent many hours playing solitaire and enjoyed getting together to play cards with friends. He was also known for his great sense of humor, signature smile, and laugh that he kept until the end.

He is survived by his wife, Mickey, Rapid City, his son, Bobby (Lorene) Schmitz, Gillette, WY, and their children; Coree, Cara (Christopher), great-grandson, Hank, and Amy; His daughter, Cindy (Todd) Dressler, Rapid City, their children; Lane, Brady, Ben, Aftan, and Joe; and his sister, Barbara Micheel, Vale, SD, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, his daughter Tracey, brother Paul, and sister Dorothy.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 22 at South Canyon Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Nemo Cemetery.

A Memorial has been established. If anyone would like to contribute, they may make checks payable to Mary Ann Schmitz and she will distribute the funds to the charities and causes that have been dear to their hearts.

Friends may sign his online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com .