Chris Schaler

Christopher Lawrence Schaler, "Chris", among many other nicknames, passed away of natural causes on September 2, 2025, at home in Fairland, Indiana.

Born on April 2, 1951, in Indianapolis, Chris lived with great passion for life, first and foremost his love for his family. His colorful life was filled with music, friends, animals, and anything with a motor. His big personality would light up any room.

Chris grew up on the southside of Indianapolis..Always a hard worker, he began working delivering newspapers while still in grade school. He went on to sell greeting cards door to door, then as a shoe salesman at Southern Plaza. In Jr and Sr high school Chris began his lifelong passion for music by playing drums in the school band and many local rock n roll bands as well as studying percussion with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. During this time Chris also gave percussion lessons to other aspiring drummers and wrote some drum music books. After graduating from Southport High School in 1969, he continued to play drums professionally with various bands, then pursued further education in Florida, where he earned radio operator certifications to be a disc jockey. His "DJ" career began and ended with a stint at KVLH 1470 Radio in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He was the on air personality and also was responsible for selling air time ads. His drive and talent brought him back to the Midwest with a position at DuBois Chemicals as a Salesman. An accomplished percussionist, Chris's career meshed with his passion for music when he joined Ludwig Drums stationed first in Chicago, then to Nashville, TN, and on to Atlanta, Georgia as the Southwest General Manager for the United States. Along the way Chris met and mingled with many notable musicians. Chris returned to his roots in Indianapolis to start his own business in 1985, . He founded Selective Systems, Inc., home of "Dr. Dish", his moniker, a business dedicated to a variety of audio/video low voltage applications, starting with the "big" satellite dishes for local TV viewing, also utilizing his knowledge of audio/video set ups from his band days to design and install home theater and TV viewing options. With help from his wife Lisa, the business expanded to include a large variety of residential, commercial, and lodging and institution applications. Chris's skill in sales was recognized on a national level when he was named a Top Ten Salesperson in the USA for Toshiba. His efforts grew the company into the largest Directv dealership in Central Indiana. He proudly counted as his customers many universities, sports venues, bars, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, high rise buildings, government buildings of various sorts, other businesses, all due to his extraordinary business skill and salesmanship.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris was a man of many interests and talents. His love for music was profound. A professional drummer, Chris's rhythm was heard in performances with various local and regional rock bands, including the" Joys of Life" and "Streek", collaborating with big names such as Steve Cox (keyboard player for Trisha Yearwood and others), and auditioning a young musician for a local band who unfortunately they decided not to hire, who turned out to be Johnny Cougar Mellenkamp. Another of Chris's claims to fame was touring with the 60's band "The Outsiders", whose biggest hit was "Time Won't Let Me". Later in life Chris enjoyed playing with the Johnson County Band. Chris's musical legacy is a testament to his dedication to the arts and his community.

Chris's commitment to his community extended to his involvement with several associations. He was a proud member of Prospect Masonic Lodge #714 F. & A.M., the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, and the Murat Shrine, where he served as a Past President of the Murat Business Connection. His service to these organizations reflected his belief in fraternity, charity, and community.

Among his hobbies Chris enjoyed off-road activities with his quads, motorcycles, go carts, and pretty much anything with a motor. He had many interesting episodes with his Porsches, first his white 911 which he imported from Germany, and then years later his 911\996, both vehicles which he cherished. He also spent time playing tennis and watching racecar racing. His love of animals was equally special, and he was preceded in death over time by his best friends, beloved dogs Ein, Monty, Buck, Shy, and Baron, and numerous cats. He loved being outside and amongst nature, appreciating the variety of wildlife that roam on his cherished farm in Shelby County.

But Chris's greatest love was for his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Lisa Wojihoski-Schaler of Fairland; his daughters, Heather Marie Foster (Christopher Parker) of Whiteland, and Aliesch Vandenberg (Scott) of Bargersville; his son, Christopher L. "J.R." Schaler, II (Samantha) of Indianapolis; his grandchildren, Alexandra Rozens, Izaak Sutton, and Alyza Sutton; and his great-grandchildren, Leohna, Kannon, Amelia, and Revan. He also leaves behind his nephews, Cameron and Kyle Russellburg, and Neil Schaler; his niece, Nancy Schaler; and several cousins. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Bernard Schaler and Mary Jane (Froyd) Schaler, and his brother, Steve Schaler.

Chris Schaler's life was a symphony of love, laughter, and dedication. His legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain a guiding light for his family and friends.

A Masonic memorial service will take place at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Murat Shrine, Tunisian Room, 510 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis. Friends may visit with the family to follow in the Murat Shrine, Oasis Restaurant to follow until 5:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org, or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Murat Shrine, 510 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

You are invited to view Chris's online obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the online register book, or leave a condolence for the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Singleton & St.Pierre Funeral and Cremation Services.