Robert Frederick “Bob” Kehmeyer, 87, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 5:25 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Born on Independence Day, July 4, 1939, at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the only child of the late Walter A. and Cassandra M. (Mayer) Kehmeyer. He grew up in Jefferson Twp., Whitley County, and completed all 12 years of schooling at Jefferson Center School, graduating in 1957. He continued his education at International Business College in Fort Wayne.

On August 22, 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Hinen, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Roanoke, IN. Since 1947, Bob has always lived in one of three homes on the Kehmeyer homestead in Jefferson Twp.

Bob worked at APSCO/Shank Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Fort Wayne as their office manager for a remarkable 53 years. He maintained that the Shanks were like family rather than employers.

He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Roanoke. Bob served as an usher for several years. In his 87th year, he became a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Charter Member of the St. Joseph, Roanoke Council.

Bob and Pat always enjoyed camping and were members of the Little Turtle Trailseekers camping club for over 40 years, having held the offices of President, Vice-President, and serving as Board Members numerous times until the club ended. Later, the couple belonged to the Meanderers Winnebago Club for ten years. He enjoyed traveling on family vacations around the country and on bus trips with friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Pat, and his children, Kurtis Kehmeyer and Judith Kehmeyer, both of Columbia City. Being an only child, and marrying into a much larger family that he was so proud to be a part of, he is also survived by many nieces and nephews for whom he enjoyed being their FUB (Favorite Uncle Bob).

He was preceded in death by infant sons Keith and Kevin Kehmeyer.

Visitation is 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 15) with Rosary at 1:45 p.m. at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 641 N. Main Street, in Roanoke, with visitation from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Burial is at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Roanoke.

Memorials in Bob’s honor are to Masses at St. Joseph Catholic Church; Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana; or to the American Red Cross - Blood Services, Fort Wayne.