Samuel Joseph Schmelzer, 76, of Asbury, IA passed away on January 25, 2025 at Grand Meadows Senior Living surrounded by his immediate family.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. in Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at The Church of the Resurrection where Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of Mass. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #6 of Dubuque.

Samuel was born on March 24, 1948, the son of Joseph and Anita (Berns) Schmelzer, and he was raised on the family farm near Garnavillo, IA. Sam was the oldest of 13 children. He graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1966 and attended UW-Platteville for 1 year. He enlisted in the U.S. Army completing his Basic Training at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Sergeant Schmelzer served as a Medic, doing two Tours in Vietnam during his three years of service in the U.S. Army. He valued his travel throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, Hawaii, and Europe.

He was united in marriage to Sarah Tauke on November 24, 1972. Together they adopted two daughters, Amy Jin from Korea and Angela from within the State of Iowa.

Sam was employed by Deere and Co. for 30 years where he primarily focused on CNC machining, quality control, and engine assembly.  Following his time at Deere, he was employed by the City of Dubuque Parks Dept. for 10 years.

He enjoyed watching sports and was always present at his daughters’ activities. He was a family man and took great pride in both his children and his grandsons.

He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection where he also volunteered in numerous capacities. Sam also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Reflections in the Park, Hospice of Dubuque, Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and the Veterans Freedom Center. Sam was privileged to go on an Honor Flight in 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah; His daughters, Amy Jin Schmelzer of Dubuque, and Angie (Jason) Steffen of Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Parker and Mason Steffen of Cedar Falls; siblings, Mary Schmelzer of Iowa City, Mike (Sharon) Schmelzer of Garnavillo, Tom (Diane) Schmelzer of Edgewood, Tim (Kathy) Schmelzer of Elkader, Margaret (Bruce) Matt of Lone Tree, Susan Schmelzer of Garnavillo, Anna (Dave) Elder of Iowa City, Donna (Kurt) Franks of Postville, Ellen (Joe) Claeys of Iowa City, Laurie (Jim) Orth of Lewiston MN.; sisters-in-law Nancy Schmelzer of Elkader, Lois Tauke of Cascade; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dan Schmelzer and Tony Schmelzer; his father and mother-in-law Clete and Jeanette Tauke; and brother-in-law, Bob Tauke.

The family wishes to thank the Grand Meadows community, Hospice of Dubuque, and all Sam’s friends and family for their support.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be directed to Church of the Resurrection, Veterans Freedom Center, and Hospice of Dubuque.