Robert Schnelker Obituary

Robert Schnelker, 88, passed away after a short illness at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida, on December 12, 2016. He was born in Galion, Ohio, to Paul and Marguerite Schnelker. Bob lived in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, most of his young life, graduating high school in 1946.
At Bowling Green University, Bob was an outstanding football player and after graduation in 1950 was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. His playing days, however, were interrupted when the Marine Corps also drafted him! After spending two years at Parris Island, South Carolina he returned to fulfill his contract in the National Football League.
During training camp with the Cleveland Browns, Bob was traded to the New York Giants. With the Giants, he played in three world championship games and two all-pro bowls, winning the championship game against the Chicago Bears in 1956. Vince Lombardi was the Giants offensive coordinator during that time.
Bob finished his Pro career in 1961 playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Beginning in 1963, Bob began a 30-year coaching career as Offensive Coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and then the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi winning two super bowls. Bob ended his coaching career coaching for the Minnesota Vikings. Never once, as a player or a coach, did Bob miss a day being sick or injured!
Bob was an avid golfer at The Grey Oaks Country Club. He was the beloved commissioner of the "Blue Tee" group. His great and loyal friends at Grey Oaks will dearly miss him.
Predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul and sisters Jean and Irene.
Bob is survived by a brother Dave and sister in law Mary Alice.
Bob is also survived by his loving daughter Kristina, who was constantly by his side during his final days. Bob is also survived by his loving grandchildren Trisha, Carl and Brett of whom he was so proud.
Memorial services will be announced and held in Ohio at a later date.
Fuller Funeral Home 1625 Pine Ridge Road Naples, Fl. Is in charge of the arrangements

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Published by Galion Inquirer from Dec. 14 to Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Schnelker

9 Entries

Richard Glover, Minneapolis, MN

July 2, 2021

Spent many Friday evenings bar hoping with Bob & my wife Barbara. Also, talked with Bob many times at his Florida condo. So sorry to hear my friend Bob Scnelker has passed.

Pete Waldmeir

October 16, 2019

I served with Bob in the U. S. Marines at Parris Island for two years. Bob played end on the football team coached by Lt. Col. J. T. Hill. At the time I was the sports editor of the Parris Island Boot, the camp newspaper, and traveled with the team as road secretary (hotel arrangements, meals etc.) as well as sports editor. Bob was a good guy. He later was an assistant coach with the Detroit Lions while I was sports columnist with The Detroit News. Considentally, the other offensive end on the PI team in 1952 was Ken McAfee, from U. of Alabama. McAfee and Schnelker both later played for the New York Giants.

JER GERTZMAN

July 25, 2018

I MET BOB WHEN HE WAS STATIONED AT PARRIS ISLAND,S.C.-AND I LIVED IN CHARLESTON SC--[I DATED A FRIEND OF HIS -JERRY ANGEL, WHO WAS ALSO IN THE MARINES AND ALSO PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR PARRIS ISLAND] BOB WAS A NICE YOUNG MAN AND A CLASS ACT PERSON.HE HAD DINNER AT MY FOLKS HOME A FEW TIMES AND MY FAMILY THOUGHT THE WORLD OF HIM. SO SORRY TO LEARN OF HIS DEATH AND EVEN THOUGH IT IS LATE-I SEND MY SINCE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY

John Brunner

January 3, 2017

I coached with Bob in Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota. He was a loyal friend who helped me throughout my coaching career and I appreciated his confidence in me. There are so many great times I can remember with Bob, especially during our time with the Vikings. We had a wonderful staff that worked and played together, enjoying each others company.

December 27, 2016

Bob Schnelker was a legend :)
He was a good friend of my father (Ben Tenwalde)
And he was always kind to me
Bob will be missed in many phases of life.
Kudos to his Loving Daughter Kristina who was by Bob's side in his time of need.
Rest in Peace
Lynn Tenwalde

December 23, 2016

So long, Bob. You lived right across the street from us in Upper Sandusky in your high school years, and while I knew your brother, Dave, better, I always loved reading about your exploits on the field and on the side lines. I also love watching Giants' fans here in The Villages light up when I mention your name. You were a great example of what a person should be, star or no star. Thanks. Bob Swartz

Carolyn Grimes

December 15, 2016

I had the privilege of having Mr. Schnelker as a teacher at Caledonia Schools. As students, we were awestruck to have a professional football player as a teacher. I remember him as a BIG man with a BIG heart to match. He told us his wife had to make his shirts because he couldn't find store-bought shirts to fit. I'm truly sorry to hear of his passing.

December 14, 2016

I never met you, Bob, but my stepmother told me that you were a relative of a co-worker of hers, Joe Schnelker. I think he was your uncle.

How you broke my heart with your pass-catching against my beloved Browns in the late-1950s.

I wish I would've known you. Maybe I could've talked you into dropping a couple of those passes.

You had a great career and, no doubt, a great life.

Rest in peace.
Jim Buskirk.

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