Celeste I. Reed's Obituary
Born in Adrian, Michigan August 2nd, 1923, Bob was ElsieÂ's loving husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family, and a great friend to many who were fortunate enough to have known him during his almost 82 years here on earth, before he left to his new mansion in heaven on July 5th, 2005.At the time of his passing he was engulfed in love and surrounded by his seven children and spouses, several of his grandchildren and Elsie, the love of his life, who never left his side. He made the journey to heaven from his own home, which was his desire.When he was young, he moved from Adrian to Banks, Oregon with his parents, who preceded him to Heaven, Earl & Margaret Schlegel. They eventually made their home in Salem, Oregon, which is where he met the love of his life, Elsie, and who he married on September 26th, 1948. They were married for 57 years. He had learned the candy making trade before he and Elsie moved to Port Angeles, WA where they opened a small candy store and started their family. They made a home there and later in Port Townsend, when he began working for Standard Oil. After a few years, the family moved to Olympia where he operated a Chevron Service Station and then a service station for Maxwell Oil Co.Being active in the church at Emmanuel Baptist, he eventually learned of an opening with the state as a Weights and Measures Inspector. He applied for and secured that job which then found his family making a new home in Kennewick, WA. Many new and lifelong friends were made in that area, but his job eventually brought him and his family back to Olympia and later to Tacoma where he eventually retired.As a young man he served his country during World War II, in the European theatre, where he was captured and held as a Prisoner of War until just shortly before the war ended. After retiring he became very involved with the Tacoma Chapter of Ex-POWs, serving as the Chapter Commander for some time. Many good friendships were formed there as well. He loved to travel with Elsie and his family. He loved doing anything that involved spending time with his family. In recent years he traveled to a large reunion in Branson, Missouri, several trips to Texas, and a trip east to Ohio for his granddaughter KristinÂ's college graduation. He also made a trip to see his daughter Patti and husband JohnÂ's new home in Kahlotus, WA and his son RobÂ's new house in Las Vegas, NV. One of the last trips he made that was really meaningful to him was to Oregon, where he was able to see his cousins and visit many places of his youth, including the old Schlegel family farm and homestead.Of most importance to him was his family. His major concern in life was the happiness and well being of his wife and children. He was the best husband and most wonderful father that anyone could ever hope for. His constant smile and the way he lived and worked was an inspiration to all. He taught his family important values by the way that he lived his own life.His parents, Earl C. Schlegel, and Margaret (Peggy) C. Schlegel, his birth father Lorraine Hagadorn, and his grandson, Jesse Robert Hursh, preceded Robert Lee Schlegel, Sr. in death. He had tremendous love for his family and extended family, never differentiating between family, family in-law, or those who became Â"adoptedÂ" members of our large family. All were loved equally.A sister Lucy Little, who lives in Florida survives him.He is also survived by four daughters, Cherie Felts and her husband Sandy who reside in Olympia, Patti Rogers and husband John who live in Kahlotus, WA; Mary Bartlett and husband Darryl who live in Tacoma; Priscilla Poole and husband Dean who live in Puyallup; three sons include Robert Lee Schlegel, Jr. and life partner Doug Adkins of Las Vegas, NV; Carl Schlegel and his wife Lanny who live in Olympia; and Calvin Schlegel and his wife Heather who live in Tacoma, In addition, he is also survived by the following grandchildren: Jeromy & Traci Felts, Darin Felts, Kristin & Bob Keller, Andy Rogers, Brady Rogers, and Joshua & Karrah Rogers, Kristy Barber, Kimberly Canario, Carly Gubser, Casey and Christine Schlegel, and Carman & Brian McGuire of Olympia, Nathaniel & Stephanie Bartlett, Daniel Bartlett, Sarah & Adam Patzer, Jillian & Ian Aloisio, Jeffrey Hursh & Mandy Breimer, Janessa Hursh, Emily Poole, Benjamine Poole, Carissa Batka, Alexis Schlegel, Gabriella Schlegel, and Monet Schlegel.He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren: Alli Jo, Abigail, Kenneth, & Christian, Jacob, Alyssa, Aaron, Ashley, & Anthony, Ciera & Dayton, Christopher, Zachery, Benjamine, Ally, & Tony. A viewing will be held from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday, July 8th at Mountain View Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 9th at Mountain View Celebration of Life Center, Tacoma, WA.
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