92, of Joliet, Illinois passed away peacefully on Friday, December 31, 2021. He was surrounded by his family, and had the thoughts and prayers of many near and far. Born June 16, 1929 in Red Cloud, Nebraska, he moved to California with his family in 1941, and served in the Sixth Army Band at the Presidio in San Francisco, California from 1953-1956. He came to Illinois in 1956 to study tuba at Northwestern University with then Principal Tuba of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Arnold Jacobs. He played as a substitute with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in the Civic Orchestra, in local orchestras, and taught Band for 33 years in Lemont, Illinois at both the Grade School and High School. He retired in 1989 to then continue his curiosity for genealogy, learning the German language, and to pursue his life-long love of classical music through daily listening. One of his particular pleasures were the annual family vacations to Nantucket Island. His infectious love of music touched and inspired the lives of countless students throughout his years as a teacher. Perhaps his greatest moments of joy would be his devoted marriage to his wife of 63 years, and his five children. He is, and will be deeply missed. Robert E. Smelser, is survived by his wife Mary A. (nee Ostergren), children Carrie, James, Stephen (Ann), Christopher (Jamie), Jenny, grandchildren Audrina, Allison, Sarah, Andy, Katie, Mitchell, Tracy, Matthew, Megan, great-grandchild Riley, and countless friends around the world. Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Tuesday, January 11th at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Red Cloud Community Fund https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/red-cloud-community-fund/ will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Monday, January 10th from 2:00 – 7:00 P.M.