WINAMAC — Roland L. Smeltzer, 78, Winamac, died at 5:50 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010, at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis.
Born May 7, 1931, in Winamac, he was the son of the late Raymond M. Smeltzer and Mary Eunice Conner Smeltzer. Roland married Dolores J. Shrader on May 20, 1952, in Logansport and she survives.
He was a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He served aboard the USS Sierra AD-18 from 1952 to 1956.
Roland was the owner/operator of Smeltzer Bulldozing in Winamac from 1956 to 1984.
He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac and was a life member of VFW Post 1728 in Winamac. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, playing pool, antiquing and going to flea markets. Roland also enjoyed taking care of his lawn with his John Deere tractor.
He especially enjoyed having coffee with the boys at 5 a.m. at Vicky's restaurant in Winamac.
Roland enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His survivors include his wife, Dolores J. Shrader Smeltzer, Winamac; daughters, Susan (Kevin) Bennett, Rhonda (Garry) White, all of Winamac, and Kimberly (Jerry) Hesler, Valparaiso; grandsons, Adam (Mandy) Bennett and Karl Bennett; granddaughters, Kate Bennett, Nicole (Marcus) Slifer, Rachel (Casey) Heishman and Maggie Hesler; and great-grandchildren, Carson Bennett, Lily Bennett and Caden Heishman.
Preceding in death were his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, with the Rev. Martin Sandhage officiating.
Burial, with the American Legion and the VFW conducting military graveside services, will take place in St. Peter's Cemetery in Winamac.
Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans Association or St. Vincent's Hospice.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.frainmortuary.com.
