Harold D. Schlemmer

June 25, 1935 - Jan. 18, 2009
BREMEN - Harold D. Schlemmer, 73, of Bremen, died Sunday, January 18, 2009, in Bremen Health Care Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on June 25, 1935, in Madison Twp., St. Joseph County, IN, to the late Alexander and Catherine (Foeckler) Schlemmer. He married Patsy (Johnson) Gouker on April 26, 1957. She survives. He attended Lutheran School in Bremen until 8th grade, then graduated from Bremen High School in 1954. He retired from Uniroyal of Mishawaka in 1991 after 281/2 years of employment. He became a registered clock maker in 1976 and, until present, was the only registered clock maker operating in Marshall County. He was a great handyman and could fix anything. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bremen. He was a fast-pitch softball pitcher for 52 years in many local leagues from 1946-1998. He was taught to pitch softball by a couple of the best pitchers: Dr. Otis Bowen and Tib George. After undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery in 1994, he went back to pitching the following year and his team won the Class B State Tourney. Survivors include his wife, Patsy Schlemmer of Bremen; a son, Mike (Barb) Gouker of Plymouth; daughters, Cindy (Dave) Leavell of Plymouth, Pam Gouker of Plymouth and Betsy Gouker Paul of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie) Bishop of Plymouth, Aaron (Kerri) Bishop of Houston, TX, Abby (Charles) Knisley of NC, and Ashley Paul of Houston, TX; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Nelson Schlemmer of Mishawaka, Stanley (Mary) of North Liberty and Wayne (Naomi) Schlemmer of South Bend; several nieces and nephews; and longtime family friend, Deb Hanson. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Schlemmer Paul, and by brothers, Kenneth and Forrest. Services will be Thursday, January 22, at 2:30 PM in St. Paul's Lutheran Church (605 S Center St.) in Bremen. Officiating: Pastor Roger Rohde and Pastor Neil Wonnacott. Burial: New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 21, from 4 to 8 PM in the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice or to the Bremen Health Care Center for their loving care and kindness shown to Harold and his family. The Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com.