On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Robert Thomas Schmalzle, affectionately known as Pr. Bob, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, passing peacefully while held by his loving family, who surrounded him in prayer and song. Born on October 16, 1953, in Bedford, Ohio, Pr. Bob lived a life that was a testament to his unwavering faith and his deep commitment to living each day with Christ.
Baptized and confirmed at The Lutheran Church of the Covenant in Maple Heights, Ohio, Pr. Bob’s journey of faith began early and grew stronger throughout his life. He was a man of profound conviction, whose love for the Lord guided him through every step of his incredible ministry. After graduating from Lutheran High School East in Cleveland Heights in 1971, he pursued a double major in Psychology and Pre-Seminary at Valparaiso University, where he graduated in 1975. That same year, he married his beloved wife, Denise Wentzlaff, at The Lutheran Church of the Covenant.
Pr. Bob’s calling to serve was clear, and he followed it with both passion and dedication. In 1981, he earned his Master of Divinity from Christ Seminary (Seminex) in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Master of Social Work from St. Louis University. Ordained that same year, he embarked on a mission that would span decades and continents, touching countless lives along the way.
His ministry took him first to Nairobi, Kenya, where he served at Uhuru Highway International Lutheran Church. There, he played a pivotal role in completing a new sanctuary and began a lifelong commitment to discipleship, a theme that would define his work and legacy. After planting seeds of faith and witnessing the growth of the church in Kenya, Pr. Bob returned to the United States to
serve as pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield, Ohio, from 1982 to 1996, where he also served the community as a marriage and individual therapist. While serving in Canfield, the Schmalzles had two sons, Aaron and Jacob.
Pr. Bob’s love for Africa drew him back to Kenya in 1997, where he served at Nairobi International Lutheran Church until 2008. During this time, he oversaw the construction of another new sanctuary and authored New Life: A Lutheran Catechism for Christ like Discipleship, a vital resource for the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church.
After a short stint as interim pastor for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Brunswick, OH, Pr. Bob answered the call to serve as Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Kissimmee, Florida, a role he held from 2010 until his retirement on October 31, 2019. Under his leadership, Trinity became a model of discipleship training, and Pr. Bob’s book The 7 Habits of Jesus: A Faith Formation Handbook for Discipleship became an Amazon bestseller, utilized by over 800 churches across North America. This work, along with his many discipleship trainings, has left a lasting imprint on churches and individuals across continents. His teachings and his life were a powerful testament to the transformative power of living each day with Christ.
Beyond his ministry, Bob was a devoted husband, a loving father to Aaron and Jacob, and a cherished grandfather. His family agrees that he was one of the best reflections of God’s love, grace, and mercy in this life. They hold such fond memories of Bob, with his bright eyes and contagious smile— moments that brought joy and warmth to everyone around him. His presence was the light of their home, a reflection of the joy he found in his faith and family. He is survived by his sister, Susan Schmalzle. Bob was also an avid golfer, always rising to challenges on the course with the same spirit he brought to his work and his faith.
Pr. Bob’s life reflected his baptismal promise—a life lived joyfully with Christ, in service to others, and with a heart open to the world. His legacy is one of love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church. While his family and countless others grieve an impossible loss, they also rejoice in the knowledge that he has been brought home to his Savior, whom he served so faithfully.
A celebration of Pr. Bob’s life will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, FL, on October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. There will also be a memorial and interment at Oasis Columbarium at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ruskin, FL, on October 23, 2024, at 10:00 am. The family invites all who knew him to remember and honor a life so well-lived. In his passing, as in his life, Pr. Bob continues to inspire all who knew him to live each day with Christ, finding joy, purpose, and peace in His love. As we remember Pr. Bob, let us carry forward his passion for discipleship and his unwavering faith, living each day with the same joyful commitment he embodied. Gifts and memorials in his honor should be directed to Lutheran World Relief at: https://www.giftsoflove.org
