Robert Theodore Schwegel, 70
Robert Theodore Schwegel, 70, of Helena, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Oct. 23, 2022.
Bob was born Aug. 15, 1952, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Albert and Betty Schwegel. He attended Blackduck, Minnesota, schools until 1968 when the family moved to Whitefish where he graduated from Whitefish High School in 1970.
Shortly after graduating, Bob enlisted in the Army and attended boot camp at Fort Lewis in Washington and Fort Rucker in Alabama where he was trained as an air traffic controller before being deployed to Vietnam. Bob spent his Army career stationed at many bases throughout the USA, Vietnam and Korea and he trained many soldiers, including his 7 siblings, to the Army way of life.
Bob's daughter Julie was born on Jan. 9, 1978, while he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. On June 24, 1989 he married Theora Wallace and gained a stepdaughter Tia.
After 20 years of service, Bob retired as first sergeant while serving at Fort Lewis, Washington, and shortly after he and Theora moved back to Montana. He continued to serve his country and fellow veterans by his non-stop advocating for their benefits and rights. He served as post commander in Eureka, as well as department service officer and other positions within the VFW Administration. He was also a member of the VFW National Legislative Committee.
Bob enjoyed attending state and national VFW conventions until his health prevented long trips. He loved hunting, fishing, telling stories and time spent with his family.
Bob was preceded in death by a nephew Chase Hart, a sister Lori Schwegel, our mom Betty L. Schwegel, and our dad Albert A. Schwegel.
Bob is survived by his wife Theora Schwegel of Helena, daughter Julie O'Shea (Shane) of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, stepdaughter Tia (Ray) Long of Graham, Washington, brothers Thomas (Clarissa) of Whitefish, David (Penny) of Fairbanks, Alaska, Roy (Cheryl) of Whitefish, Jerry (Christine) of Olney, sisters Luanne Sagen of Whitefish and Lee Ann Giesy (R.D.) of Whitefish,, grandchildren Jordan Schwegel of Charleston, South Carolina, Conor O'Shea of Coeur D'Alene, Logan Long of Graham and Cassidy (Chase) Harter of Ellensburg, Washington, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held in Helena on Nov 9 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena MT 59602, with viewing at 10 a.m. A reception to follow at the Helena American Legion 3095 Villard Ave., Helena MT 59601.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Whitefish, Eureka or Helena, or the Helena American Legion in Bob's memory.
A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work. Fish on Bob!