Submit a PhotoLeslie Robert Schmeltz Jr. passed away peacefully after a brief illness on July 23, 2024, in Mesa, AZ surrounded by loved ones. He was 81.
Les was a proud Yooper, born in Ishpeming, Michigan on May 18, 1943. He spent his youth there, graduating from Ishpeming High School in 1960 and then attending college at Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor of Science. Les continued his education at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point receiving his Master of Science.
After college, Les moved to Bettendorf, Iowa and worked as a school audiologist for the Area Education Agency for over 30 years and raised a family with his first wife Leena Schmeltz (Alasimi). Later in life, Les relocated to Mesa, AZ and went back to school to earn his doctorate degree in Audiology from A. T. Still University of Health Sciences in 2001. He then served as an Associate Professor of Audiology at A. T. Still University of Health Sciences from 2005 until his retirement in 2020. Recently retired, he retained his role as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Early Hearing Research and Intervention (JEHDI). Les had a particular interest in the development of an information management system for tracking infants with hearing deficits, providing resources for researchers and clinicians conducting testing and medical interventions for young people with hearing disabilities. He also traveled the country doing assessments of clinical programs.
Les was well known by his family and friends for his playful sense of humor and kind demeanor. He was an avid golfer, hiker, and reader and also wrote several books including Hands on Applesoft (1987), Playing the Stock and Bond Markets With Your Personal Computer (1981), Word Processing with Your Microcomputer (1982), and Backyard Money Machine (1993).
Les is survived by his wife Diane Elizabeth (Bushnell) Schmeltz of Mesa, AZ, daughters Lisa Marie (Schmeltz) Bloom (Jason Bloom) of Bartlett, IL, Linda Aili Schmeltz (Gregory Bryant) of Los Angeles, CA, half-brother Llewellyn J. Pope of Negaunee, MI and his beloved dogs Dora and Bobby.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie R. Schmeltz Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Schmeltz, and his sister Joy C. Schmeltz Phillips.
Donations can be made in his name to the Arizona Humane Society and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control of Mesa, AZ or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life expected at a later date.
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Toutes nos pensées chaleureuses pour Aili et sa famille en ces moments difficiles. David, Élisabeth and Eilean.
Dr. Schmeltz was a leader in our field in many areas. He was a mentor to me in the areas of EHDI, educational audiology and clinical supervision. and I am grateful for the opportunities for growth and professional development he provided. He was kind and patient, and always professional. I am saddened by his passing but happy for having known and worked with him, and for the legacy he left.
Dr. Vicki Anderson, MN Licensed Audiologist
Les was my best friend and golfing ⛳️ buddy. He is and will be missed greatly, I loved him like a brother.
What a gentle giant! I was honored to work with him for many years! His intellect and humor was always evident! He will be missed but his legacy lives on!
I am so sorry to hear of Les’s passing. I have worked with Les for over 10 years as the graphic designer/editor on the Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) eBook with NCHAM for Utah State University. We had a wonderful working relationship and friendship that I will always cherish and remember. He was a very sweet and kind man. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
I am so sorry to hear of Les’s passing. I have worked with Les for over 15 years as the graphic designer/editor on the Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) eBook with NCHAM for Utah State University. We had a wonderful working relationship and friendship that I will always cherish and remember. He was a very sweet and kind man. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
I am deeply saddened to hear that Les passed away. My condolences and prayers for the family of such a gentle father and husband. I worked with Les at AT Still University, although we worked in different departments. Dr. Schmeltz was one of my favorite colleagues because he was kind, gentle, patient, reliable, and appreciative. I taught audiology students in his interprofessional survey course. In every interaction with him, I was met with kindness and gentleness, something I don’t encounter very often these days.