Dennis Ryan Schmelzer

Dennis Ryan Schmelzer, son of Arthur and Lillian Schmelzer was born in Detroit, Michigan, June 2, 1948. At Redford Lutheran Church, Dennis was baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He confessed his baptismal faith in the rite of Confirmation and was admitted to the altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ's life-giving body and blood. Dennis was joined together in holy matrimony to his wife, Laura, on May 1, 2016. On July 18, 2025, at the age of 77 years, fell asleep in Jesus.

Dennis attended Redford Elementary School then graduated Lutheran High School West in Detroit, Michigan as class president. He studied for his AA at Concordia University Ann Arbor and received his BS at Concordia Teacher's College, Seward, Nebraska. Dennis taught elementary classes in Lutheran schools prior to pursuing his Master of Divinity at Concordia University, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Upon ordination, Dennis became pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Washington while simultaneously producing theological illustrations for the international Good News magazine. Later he also covered the vacancy at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beaufort. He was a dedicated, hardworking shepherd to many.

Teaching and preaching the Gospel was Dennis'?lifelong passion and he used all his skills to proclaim that Christ was crucified for the forgiveness of sins. He preached the word, taught classes, and as an accomplished pen and ink artist/graphic designer, he produced Christian artwork and cards. His recent class, ?Seasoned Saints Bible Class,? in which he ministered to seniors, was a special joy to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William; and one sister, Leslie.

Among his survivors are his wife, Laura Schmelzer, Washington; children, John Schmelzer, Little Rock, AR, Susanna Herbert and husband Keith, Washington, Alexander Shola, Washington State, and Vanessa Shola, Washington; two grandchildren, Winston and Calloway; other relatives and friends.

Dennis had numerous hobbies. He was an excellent nature photographer, played golf, created wood projects, a self-taught musician, he was a gourmet cook and grill master. He will be greatly missed by those left behind and we look forward to being reunited with him in heaven.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant Dennis.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington.

Interment was in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.