Dr. Robert E. Shellenberger

Dr. Robert E. Shellenberger, 83, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at West River Health Campus.

He was born on December 5, 1927 in Evansville, IN, the son of Edward L. and Lela Shellenberger.

He was a 1945 graduate of Bosse High School. After graduation from the Indiana University School of Dentistry 1951, he was awarded a Dental Internship by the United States Air Force at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. Following this completion, he was later assigned to the Dental Clinic at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. After his term of duty, he started his private Dental practice in 1954 on the West Side of Evansville until his retirement in 2004.

He was an active member in the Dentistry field, serving offices and committees with First District Dental Society, Indiana Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and National Dental Society. He was Vice President of the Indiana Board of Dental Examiners and then served on the National Board of Dentistry Test Construction Committee and subsequently a board member of the National Joint Commission of the ADA. He also enjoyed teaching for the Dental Hygiene Program at ISUE for five years. He was also one of the founding Directors of Health Resources, Inc, Upon retiring as a Director of Health Resources, Inc., he was awarded a Director Emeritus for contributing to the formation and operation of the company promoting an emphasis on serving the public welfare. Many other honors were bestowed upon him academically as well as professionally.

He was a Masonic and Scottish Rite member for over 50 years. He also was a former member of the Westside Optimist club for 45 years. He was an active member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ serving in many capacities over the years.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Ruth (Nendel) Shellenberger; two sons, Rick Shellenberger of Evansville; Rohn Shellenberger of Sparta, NJ and his wife Cynthia; Grandchildren, Lauren and J.D.Shellenberger; Brother-in-Law and sister-in-law, Art and Audrey Nendel; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude for the loving care shown by all personnel with River Pointe Health Facility and West River Health Campus and the Southern Care Hospice group.

Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, May 13, 2011 at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev Jeff Long, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the funeral home.

May 11, 2011
Sorry to see that Dr Schellenberger has passed away. My family, Ottie & Vena Hamby, lived in the West side & knew him. Having buried my own Dear 2nd Wife last May, I do know how to & will pray for your family. Godspeed Doctor & God bless your family.
Dean Hamby, Evansville, Indiana

May 11, 2011
Ruth, I am so sorry to read about your loss. Bob was so well thought of. I always looked forward to seeing both of you at the Bosse class reunions.
Sincerely, Nita Hopewell, Sarasota, Fl

May 11, 2011
Rohn & Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. I am so sorry about your loss; my thoughts go out to the entire family during this time of bereavement.
With sympathy, Kevin White, Rochester, New York

May 11, 2011
Steven Stevens, Pressath, Germany

May 11, 2011
Ruth and family Dr Schellenberger was the best dentist and their is no one to compare! He was the kindest and gentlest man i have ever met. I have missed him since he retired but now is the times for his rewards! No one will know the number of people he has helped in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed by many esp. me! It was an honor to be at his bedside!
Love, Linda Sisco Reising, Evansville, Indiana

May 11, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss...our thoughts and prayers will be with you in your time of sorrow. I will always remember the gentle manner he showed thru all my times stopping in the dentist office whether it be for and appt. or just to visit mom (Marilyn).
Delaine (Albin) Stratman, Evansville, Indiana

May 11, 2011
Ruth and Family, Sorry to hear of your loss, Bob was a gentle giant and was my Buddy for a short time at Riverpointe, he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim Johnston, Evansville, Indiana

May 12, 2011
To The Family of Dr. Robert E. Shellenberger, You Have Our Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy in the Loss of Your Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law, Uncle and Friend!!! "He was a Very Special and Gentle Man", that will never be forgotten ;-) We always loved Him for who He was, a Great Person and Friend!!! Our Thoughts and Prayers will be with each One of You now and in the coming days ahead of You!!! Loved all the photos you shared online...great memories always!!!
Always and Forever Friends in Christ, Mike and Kristy Steinhauer, Misplay and Joyce Steinhauer, and Brother Kim Steinhauer

May 12, 2011
Ruth, Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I'm going to miss him. I hate it that he, and you didn't get to enjoy his retirement. I know he will always be with you.
Brenda Webb, Mt.Vernon, Indiana

May 12, 2011
Rohn and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Tim McInerney

May 12, 2011
Ruth and family, It was my pleasure to have gotten to know and care for all of you here at West River these past several months. Doc was a fabulous man, even in his silence. Ruth, you are a wonderful woman and wife...you have stood by his side with great poise and dignity and handled this disease so lovely. I commend your family in all that you have done. You all will be greatly missed by not only our staff, but by other residents and their families as well.
Sincerley, Laura Francis