Robert Schmalenberger, 77, Hebron, died Thursday, August 8, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family. Robert’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Zent presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Robert Albert Schmalenberger was born on October 17, 1941 in Richardton, the son of Albert and Rose (Hoerauf) Schmalenberger. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Hebron. He attended Hebron Public School and graduated in 1961.
Robert married Gloria Schmidt on October 19, 1963. They resided in Richardton after their marriage and in 1967 moved to their farm and ranch northwest of Hebron.
He served as a West Plains Electric Board Member for 30 years. He also served on the ND State Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service Board (ASCS) for seven years under the Reagan Administration.
Robert’s passion was his farm and ranch. He had a great affinity for the cattle business and spent countless hours working to improve his herd. At one point he raised club calves and many of his calves went on to be champion show steers. He enjoyed the work of caring for his cattle and overseeing the farm and ranch. Robert had a gift that enabled him to talk to anyone and spent countless hours visiting, He was quick witted and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was an avid gun collector and fond of the old west.
Robert enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. We are all grateful for the time dedicated and wisdom imparted.
Robert is survived by his wife, Gloria, Hebron; children, Wendi (Kent) Glass, Hebron, Robyn (Jim Becker) Schmalenberger, Bismarck, Jason (Stacy) Schmalenberger, Hebron, and Danielle (Robert Tuttle) Schmalenberger, Dickinson; eight grandchildren, Kash Glass, Landree Glass, Zack Schmalenberger, Zayden Schmalenberger, Carson Tuttle, Emily Tuttle, Megan Tuttle, Aaron Tuttle; two great-grandchildren, Nova Tuttle and Ariya Tuttle; siblings, Verda Heupel, Mandan, Gladys (Florian) Woroniecki, Hebron, Joyce (Harold) Schatz, Hawaii, Jacob (Alice) Schmalenberger, Hebron, and Allan (Georgianne) Schmalenberger, Dickinson; brother-in-law, Philip Messer, Richardton; sisters-in-law, Frieda Boespflug, Dickinson and Bonnie Schmidt, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janel Schmalenberger; parents; sisters, Betty Messer and Mildred (Norbert) Underdahl; brothers-in-law August Heupel, Charles Schmidt and Ralph Boespflug; and sister-in-law, LaVonne Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Renovation Fund.
