Dr. Robert E. Schimke “Bob”, 77, entered into rest on Monday, Dec. 21, surrounded by family in Ripon. He was born on July 6, 1932 in Hart, Michigan to the late E. A. & Marguerite Schimke. He attended Shelby High School graduating in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Field on August 11, 1951. They then moved to San Diego, California’ where he was stationed  on the USS Delta with the United States Navy. He attended University of California Berkeley Dental School in San Francisco graduating in 1961. He practiced briefly in San Diego and Orland, California. In 1969 Bob and his wife moved to Manteca where they raised their three children Scott, Sue and Patrick. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Dental Society of San Joaquin County and the Manteca Historical Society. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years Marilyn E. Schimke and his parents E.A. and Marguerite Schimke.

He is survived by his children, Scott Schimke and wife Terry of Orland, Ca, Sue Quaresma and husband Raymond of Manteca, Patrick Schimke and wife Cheryl of Walnut Grove; five grandchildren, Robert and Ryan Schimke and Katelyn, Raeanne, and Delaine Quaresma. He has one surviving sister Louis Sullivan and husband John of Michigan. He also has three surving sister-in-laws Margie Peterson of Michigan, Marlene Schihl of Michigan, and Emme Field of Sonoma. In addition Bob is survived by his beloved companion and friend Sandra Costa.

Bob was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Mill Creek, Ca. where he spent many hours on the stream fly fishing with his friends and children. He was an expert at tying flies and making fly rods as well as perfecting the sought after “Mill Creek Queen.” He loved family traditions like Christmas tree cutting in the forest at Thanksgiving, scavenger hunting for the last Christmas present, and swinging on the porch at  Mill Creek listening to cabin music. “Grampie” was very proud of his five grandchildren and loved to follow their sports teams which he would travel miles to watch their events. Bob always looked forward to attending his yearly naval reunions and enjoyed restoring vintage cars. There wasn’t anything that Bob couldn’t fix.

Bob practiced dentistry in Manteca for 20 years. He was loved by all his employees who many considered Doc Schimke the best boss they ever had. He retired in 1987 to take care of his wife Marilyn as they traveled many places in their motor home. He was a strong and gentle man who led by example. Bob will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.   

Dr. Schimke’s services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. A Celebration  of Life service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 910 E. North Street, Manteca.

In lieu of flowers donations can be  sent to St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry 910 E. North Street Manteca, CA 95336 or a charity of your choice. To send a special message or words of condolences please visit Mr. Schimke’s on-line guest book at www.plfryandson.com.