Alvin F. Schaal, 93, formerly of 9795 Gray Lake Road, Gillett, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at Sharpe Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Oconto Falls.
Al was born on Oct. 24, 1919, in Gillett to Dudley and Flora (Zahn) Schaal. Growing up during the Depression years and his work in the Civilian Conservation Corps to help support his family shaped his attitudes about the importance of hard work and self-reliance. Al became a lifelong “fixer” and saver, and always built things to last. Al proudly served in the 36th Division, 142nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army for four years during World War II throughout Northern Africa, Italy, France, Austria and Germany. Memories of the battles, death and destruction stayed with him throughout his life.
On March 3, 1946, he married Lorraine M. Olson. They lived in Gillett until moving to a farm outside Oconto Falls in 1952.
About 1980 they settled in rural Gillett. Al was a truck driver and spent most of his career with Scott Paper. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his free time.
Retirement turned Al and Lorraine into snowbirds, and they spent many happy years wintering in Mesa, Ariz., and taking side trips with a senior club.
Lorraine preceded him in death on April 11, 2011.
Survivors include his son, Gary (Sandi) Schaal, of Oconto Falls; his daughter, Barbara Schaal, of Green Bay; two grandchildren, Brian (Lynn) Schaal, of Bonduel, and Nikki (Nick) Tolzman, of Oconto Falls; and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha and Aaron Schaal, of Bonduel, and Josie Tolzman, of Oconto Falls. He is further survived by two sisters, Betty Pershbacher, of Appleton, and Dorothy McAllen, of Texas; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence, Cyril, Francis and Gordon; sister, Grace; and multiple brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at St. John’s Riverside Lutheran Church, state Highway 32, Gillett. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service. Military honors will be accorded, with burial in St. John’s Cemetery. Kuehl Funeral Home, of Gillett, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Riverside Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank the staff of Meadowlands Assisted Living, Sharpe Care and Unity Hospice for their care and compassion for Alvin.
Categories
