Robert “Bob” Edward Schmidt, 77, of Cortland, Illinois, passed away on Saturday,  August 31, 2024. 

Bob was born February 7, 1947, in Sycamore, Illinois, to Ernest Arthur Schmidt and Hilda Simpson Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Palinkas ViPond Schmidt; his children Shaun (Beth) ViPond, Chad “Chief” ViPond, Barbara Schmidt Erdmier, Michael Schmidt; his grandchildren Hannah (Brian) Ritter, Samantha (Aaron) Schultz, Cody ViPond, Alexandra Erdmier, Noah ViPond, Tori Schmidt, and Macy Schmidt; his great-grandchildren Lilith Ritter and Barret Ritter; his sister Bonnie (Charlie) Schmidt Meier; his sisters-in-law Rita (Michael) Aldrich, Rhonda (Michael) Cohen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, his ConTel family, and his Buena Vista Senior Golf League buddies.

He grew up in Cortland, Illinois, where he played little league baseball and attended the local Cortland school. 

Bob attended DeKalb High School where he continued to play baseball and was on the football team.  He graduated with the class of 1965.  Bob worked at his family-owned “Schmidt’s General Store,” throughout high school.  Following high school, Bob worked at FC Grocery in DeKalb until he was drafted into the United States Army.  He was discharged in November 1967 and for his honorable service, Bob earned the National Defense Service Medal. 

Following his military service, Bob was blessed with his two children Barbara (Bomber) and Michael (Mr. Peabody).  After his divorce from Barbara and Michael’s mother, Bob spent his time working at the grocery store and bowling in many leagues.  On one occasion, he proudly bowled a perfect 300 game. 

He met the love of his life and his wife of 48 years, Sandi, on the dance floor at McCabes.  Their time dating was spent dancing, dancing, and more dancing.  Together, they won many dance contests.  They married in July 1976 and Bob gained two more sons, Shaun (Big Bud) and Chad (Little Bud).  Bob loved being a dad to all four kids. He coached little league, followed and photographed their games, and was their biggest cheerleader.  Bob was a great dad but an even better grandpa, or “Bumpa Bob” as his grandsons called him. Just as he did with his own kids, Bob attended his grandchildren’s sports competitions every chance he had.  He and Sandi regularly planned activities that catered to the grandkids’ interests.  He took them fishing, golfing, bowling, shopping, and out to dinner. 

Family was everything to Bob and his idea of family extended to his close friends and coworkers.  Bob worked for ConTel and retired from Verizon Wireless in February 2009.  Over the years at the phone company, he made many great friends. He also had great friends on his Buena Vista Senior Golf league.  He was part of several organizations including DeKalb High School Boosters and he was the Cortland Cemetery President.

Bob was known for being very funny, hardworking, loving, and proud of his loved ones. While reflecting on their marriage, Sandi says one of the things she will miss the most about Bob is laughing with him.  He was incredibly hardworking and that did not slow down after he retired.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, caning, tending to his yard, completing projects for Sandi, and watching his beloved Chicago Cubs. Later in life, he stuck true to his vows “in sickness and in health,” and he became Sandi’s caretaker.  Above all, Bob will be best remembered as a loving and proud son, husband, brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, family member, friend, co-worker, and member of the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Hilda Schmidt and his son-in-law, Jeff  Erdmier.

The Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. Private burial of cremated remains will be at Elmwood Cemetery, in Sycamore with Full Military Honors by the Sycamore American Legion.  

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00 noon, at the funeral home. Bob’s family invites you to arrive in casual wear and suggests any Cubs-themed or golf attire. 

Memorials can be made to the Schmidt Family, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S 4th St, PO Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115.