Robert J. Schmatz, age 84, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.

Robert was born on February 4, 1937 in Manitowoc.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Schiesl Schmatz.  Bob was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1955.  He then entered the United States Marine Corps serving his country overseas in Korea.  After his four year tour of duty was completed, Bob was honorably discharged and returned to Manitowoc.  On July 26, 1958 he married Delores A. Schuh at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Manitowoc.  She preceded him in death on January 17, 2020.  He became employed as a professional truck driver for Liebmann Packing in Green Bay, Schneider National Trucking Inc. and Fore-Way Trucking.  Bob also was a courier for Bank First in Manitowoc for several years.  He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, American Legion Drews Bleser Post #88, and the Case Collectors Tractor Club.  Bob provided his family with the best life possible through his work ethic.  He lived by the motto, "If the wheels aren't turning, you aren't earning".  If family or friends ever need anything Bob was always there to help.  Bob was a longtime avid car collector and Case Tractor collector.

He is survived by four children, Kathy (Jerry) Simmet, Manitowoc, Susan (Jeff) Kaprelian, Germantown,  Ann (Steve) Rank, New Richmond, Robert (Elizabeth) Schmatz, Manitowoc; 12 grandchildren, Marques (Rachael) Tuschl, Kent (Stacy) Tuschl, Peter Tuschl, Robert (Eileen) Tuschl, Kelsey (Mike) Brusso, Ben Kaprelian, Abby Kaprelian, Alex Rank, Elliott Rank, Keith-Ann (Howard) Rice, Sydney Schmatz, and Mayson Schmatz; 13 great grandchildren, three sisters, Betty Mushial, Manitowoc, Frances McDonnell, Manitowoc, Ann (Milton) Hassemer, Whitelaw; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Schmatz, wife, Delores, two brothers, Art and Joseph, and one sister, Marion Dhein.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry.  Relatives and friends may call at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.  Immediately following the memorial service military honors will be accorded at the church by the American Legion Drews Bleser Post #88.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Bob's neighbors Richard and Jeannie Miller, Greg and Bobbi Tuma, and Rick Dehne.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.