Robert Schmeling II

Rob was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, brother, and friend. Rob was endlessly generous with his time and talents, ‘Mr. Fix-It’ personified, often voluntarily identifying projects that needed attention, completing them without expectation of recognition or thanks.

Born November 26, 1948 in Manistique, MI, Rob graduated from Escanaba High School, and received a Civil Engineering degree from Michigan State University (Go Green!) in 1971. He then received an MBA from Northern Michigan University in 1988. After graduating from Michigan State, Rob worked as an engineer for Meridian Township and later moved to Marquette to work for the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) until his retirement in 2010.

Rob spent countless hours enjoying and maintaining his hunting camp in Stonington, the family cabin on Little Lake, and the Hebert River Camp on the Escanaba River. He was happiest when he was busy (with his dog Kona by his side), and almost always needed to be forced or ordered to sit and relax.

Rob was an 8-time Ironman Triathlon finisher and could often be seen training around the area, riding his bike from Marquette to Escanaba or swimming across Little Lake. Many of Rob’s training partners became his long-time friends. Rob was a devoted dad and coach who always supported his daughters Joani and Leslie no matter their activities, from their many years of AAU and school sports, to several recent competitions, traveling to locations across the country to participate or lend his support. The whole family made countless memories participating together in a variety of races, including most recently the Philadelphia Distance Run in 2022.

Rob leaves behind Mary, his wife of 44 years, daughters Joani of Philadelphia, PA, Leslie (Ethan Sundheim) of Omaha, NE, his furry companion Kona; sister Jeanene Brandt (Greg) of Lake City, MI; Brother-in-Law John (Margo) Hebert of Milford, MI and Bill (Alane) Hebert of Portland, OR; Step-sisters Suzie (Jonathan) Baum of Great Barrington, MA, Julia (David) Rubel of Chatham, NY, Rebecca (John) Moulton of Horton, MI, and Elsa Banks of Milwaukee, WI; Nephews Ryan (Adrienne) Brandt of Chelsea, MI, Kyle (Amber) Brandt of Kentwood, MI, Ben Hebert of Philomath, OR; Niece Kellie (David) Hebert-Follin of Suttons Bay, MI; Grand-nieces Sydney and Winslow Brandt; Grand-nephew Kellan Brandt; and several cousins.

Rob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Dorothy Schmeling, in-laws John and Muriel Hebert, and stepmother Joann Banks Schmeling.

A memorial service celebrating Rob’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 East Ridge St., Marquette, with Pastors Kristi and Christopher Hintz officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 12:00 p.m., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rob’s name to an organization that is meaningful to you, then go outside and enjoy a physical activity, just like Rob would love to do.

In the words of 2 Timothy 4:7, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com