Obituary of Robert H. Smelser

Robert “Bob” Smelser, 74, of Iowa City, IA formerly of Tiffin, IA passed away peacefully November 21, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA. Bob was born March 25, 1948 in Iowa City, Iowa. The son of Everett Smelser and Margaret Isabel Hosier. Bob was united in marriage to Carolynn Reeve on September 25th, 1971 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Bob owned and operated Smelser Construction and Bob Smelser Trucking until his retirement in 2018. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards and gambling. Bob had a big heart and a strong will and had a tough love for those in his life. You knew he liked you if he was giving you a hard time and he loved beating you at a good game of cards. Bob’s family includes the love of his life of 51 years, Carolynn; sister-in-law, Lori Hosier; brothers-in-law, Dick (Brenda) Reeve and Perry (Linda) Beckler; niece and nephews, Davie (Rae Ann) Hosier, Andy (Becky) Hosier, Greg Hosier, Mike (Dianne) Reeve, Steve (Vickie) Beckler, Pam (Randy) Devine, and Kelly (Mary) Beckler; thirteen great nieces and nephews and a great-great niece and nephew; and his cherished pup, Lindsey. Sadly, Bob is preceded in death by brother David Hosier and sister-in-law, Judy Beckler, his parents; and in-laws, Chester and Margaret Reeve. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Sunday, December 11th from 2-5pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin, IA following a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to the family of Bob Smelser.