Dr. Robert S. Schelly Jr.

PEORIA – Dr. Robert S. “Doc” Schelly Jr., 83, of Peoria, IL died at 8:50 am Sunday, August 3, 2008 at Sunset Rehabilitation and Health Care in Canton, IL. Born on June 10, 1925 in Reading, PA to Robert Samuel Sr. and Nora Ritzman Schelly; he had 2 sisters, Irene and Dorothy and 1 brother, William Romig. He married JoAnn Drew on May 12, 1949, with whom he enjoyed 59+ happy years. JoAnn survives, as do his five children: Suzanne Hopkins of Peoria,IL, Laura JoAnn Schelly (Phil Jordan) of Peoria,IL, Robert Samuel (Ling) Schelly III of San Francisco, CA, Karl Rudolph (Marcy) Schelly of Niceville, FL, and Paul Romig (Lynne) Schelly of Bettendorf, IA, and eight grandchildren, Drew Hopkins, Brooke and Samuel Schelly, John Paul and Katie Jordan, Hannah and Sarah Schelly, and Nolan Schelly. In Reading, PA, Doc was raised by his father’s sisters’, Aunt Irene Schelly and Aunt Mary Schelly, whom he loved dearly. When asked about his mother, Doc always said, “I have 2 mothers”, and always sent out two Mother’s Day cards. He graduated with honors from Reading High School in 1943. Doc was then in the Army from October of 1943 through April of 1946, serving in the 1631st Engineer Construction Battalion, Ft. Lewis, Washington. During his time in the armed forces, Doc was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, all while serving under 1st Corps, 10th Army, Pacific Theatre of Operations, in World War II. He was also awarded the 50th anniversary of World War II Commemorative Medal in May of 1999. A well known musician, Doc began studying violin in High School, and was a member of the Pennsylvania State High School Quartet. He began study of viola with renowned violist Samuel Lifschey in the early 1940’s, and said of Lifschey: “I was 17 years old, and in awe of this great musician. The hours I spent with him (Lifschey) moved me from a violinist who could play a viola to, at least in my mind, a violist.” Doc always took pride in the fact that he passed his love for symphonic music to his children and his grandchildren. He also encouraged his children to strive for academic excellence and would tell you proudly that all five of his children went to college on scholarships. Doc served for 22 years in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, serving the last 6 years as the Manager. Doc graduated from National College of Chiropractic in 1951 in Chicago, and, after passing the Illinois State Board, was invited to join Dr. Martin Luther Giese, DC, who practiced in Peoria, IL. He met JoAnn Drew at National College on Valentine Day, 1948, and 15 months later they were married in a ceremony at JoAnn’s home in Chicago. After a number of years with Dr. Giese, Doc, along with a colleague, Dr. Wayland Barnes, built The Chiropractic Arts Building on Loucks in Peoria, and started Schelly Chiropractic. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, and encouraged all his children to take up the sports. He had an educated wine palette, and he and JoAnn traveled to many countries to enjoy their local wine and beer. Doc enjoyed life and laughter, and could always be counted on for a new story or a new joke. Doc retired in 1995, and was succeeded by daughter, Dr. Laura Schelly at the same Loucks location. After retirement, Doc and Jo lived in Largo, FL, during the cold months, traveling back to the Peoria area when the weather cooperated. During his five month illness, Doc decided that rather that a formal funeral service, he would prefer his family and friends to celebrate the long and wonderful life he spent amongst them, and this request will be granted. Cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no services. Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria is handling the arrangements. Memorials in Doc’s name may be made to the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Concordia Lutheran School, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Robert S. Schelly Jr.

June 10, 1925 - August 3, 2008