Leslie Robert Schmeltz, Jr.

Leslie 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.