Robert Joseph Dr. Schlembach

Dr. Robert Joseph Schlembach, 93, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2017 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. “Doc” was born December 7, 1924 in Defiance, Ohio to Alfred and Agnes Schlembach. After graduating from Defiance High School, he faithfully served his country in World War II as a sergeant in the European theater, receiving an honorary discharge in 1946. Upon returning to the States, he attended the University of Toledo and received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He attended Purdue University and received his Masters in Pharmacology and later his PhD in 1956. He began a long career in higher education at the University of Toledo as an assistant professor in pharmacy and achieved full professor status in 1963. He was interim dean and associate dean from 1976 through 1989. He remained as Professor Emeritus from that point to present, officially retiring in 1999 at the age of 75. In addition to his career as an educator, he worked in many pharmacies throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Doc will be remembered for his ability to listen, educate, and advise. He had an “open door policy“ to all students past and present which contributed to numerous university awards and professional recognition. Former students sought him out for advice and counsel years after their graduation. He had a remarkable ability to recall individuals, their classes and their accomplishments. His intelligence and insight were respected throughout the university community. He was chosen to serve on many academic and athletic committees and along with his loving wife, Mary, followed all University of Toledo Rocket teams from coast to coast. Academic and professional accomplishments aside, his marriage to Mary Imber on August 26,1950 was his greatest treasure. Together they raised five children in Toledo, OH supporting their athletic endeavors at Blessed Sacrament (where they have been parishioners since 1957), St Ursula Academy and St. Francis de Sales High School, and took memorable camping vacations throughout the United States. In addition to family, camping and travel, Doc had a passion for golf. He was a low single digit handicap player for most of his life. Many of his fondest memories were charity golf events in which he played with his sons or good friends. Golf trips with friends to the Carolinas and Northern Michigan were common, weather didn’t necessarily matter. He enjoyed the thrill of the competition and the company of his friends. In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by children, Thomas (Barbara), Charles (Pamela), Theresa (Graydon) Mills, Jeanne Niklis, daughter-in-law Pamela Schlembach; grandchildren, Michael (Lauren), Elizabeth, Patrick, John T., Jaclyn, Robert, Ryan, Christopher, Ashley (John) Rach, Jake, Alexandria Niklis, Anthony Niklis; 6 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law Francesca Imber and Janis Imber. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; brother, Richard; sister, Janice Spangler; brothers-in-law, Walter Spangler, Donald Imber, Paul J. Imber, Thomas Imber, Ambrose Imber; and nephew, Joseph Schlembach. Friends may visit the family on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 1-3 and 5-7:30 PM at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd) with a rosary at 7:30 PM. Funeral services will begin with prayers at the funeral home at 12:45 PM followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 20th at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 2240 Castlewood Dr. Toledo, Ohio. Special thanks to the loving and caring health care professionals and staff at Ohio Living Swan Creek, St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. In honor of Doc’s memory, memorials may be directed to: Dr. Robert and Mary Schlembach Leadership Fund c/o the University of Toledo Foundation P.O. Box 586 Toledo, OH 43697, The Most Blessed Sacrament Church 2240 Castlewood Dr. Toledo, OH 43613 or Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551. Condolences can be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.