Robert E. SCHEEL

Robert E. Scheel, 95, of Spokane, passed away on January 2, 2022, peacefully at home. Bob was born in Spokane, WA to Lenora (Copeland) and Frederick Scheel on October 15, 1926. As a lifelong resident of Spokane, he attended Holmes Elementary School, Havermale Jr. High, and graduated from North Central High School. Bob married his first wife Helen Olson in 1946. Helen and Bob were married for 38 years, having four children and six grandchildren. Helen passed away in 1984. Bob enlisted into the Army in 1945 and served a short while in the Philippines. After returning from service, Bob worked as a photographer at Christian Studio in Spokane until 1954. He then joined the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation as a salesperson and left in 1963 to start Cardinal Fence Co. & Allied Industries Inc., where Bob served as the treasurer and sales manager. In 1981, with Bob's management, he founded the family-owned Arrow Contracting Service, Inc./Cardinal Supply. The family business continues in Spokane, under the name Untamed Construction, owned by his son David Scheel and grandson Nick Scheel. Bob mostly retired from the business in 1999. In 1989, Bob married his second wife, Mildred Marmont, and continued their life in Spokane with a large extended family of grand and great-grandchildren. Bob was an Eagle Scout, a 16-gallon blood donor, and a longtime member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary where he served as Flotilla, Commander, Division VIII captain, and named Auxiliary Division Captain in the 13th Coast Guard District. Bob was a thirty-four-year member of Spokane Central Lions Club where he served in many officers and chair positions including President, Zone Chair, and District Governor. He was a tireless worker in support of Lions and their many community service projects, especially those devoted to the welfare of children.

Bob is preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Olson Scheel, and daughter Barbara Robbins. He is survived by his second wife Mildred Marmont Scheel, son David (Vernita) Scheel, daughter Deborah (Odell) Leffall, and daughter Elizabeth Scheel all of Spokane, as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Bob had a great love of boating at the local Inland lakes. He, his first wife Helen, and then second wife Mildred, often cruised the San Juan and Canadian Islands in his beloved boat the "Bardebeth." Bob's greatest pleasure was his family, and especially their gatherings for his famous hamburgers. The beloved patriarch of three generations, Bob was active in the lives of each one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, well into his 90's. They continue his life of service and love of family. His birthday phone calls will be greatly missed, for they remind you how special you are. Bob is reunited with his family in Heaven, floating along in the Bardebeth, keeping a safe harbor for each of us.

Services will be held at Ball and Dodd funeral home, 5100 West Wellesley Ave., in Spokane, at 11:00 am January 28. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spokane Central Lions Club Activities Foundation, 1212 N. Howard, Spokane, WA. 99201, or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.