Donald Eugene Schaal

Jan. 12, 1927 - Nov. 10, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Donald Eugene Schaal, 86, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 10, 2013, at the Fountainview Place Golden Living nursing home in Mishawaka following a long illness. Mr. Schaal was born on January 12, 1927, in Plymouth, to Ralph C. and Cora F. (Kanarr) Schaal, and was a lifelong area resident. He was married to Gertrude E. Odiorne on September 2, 1948, she survives along with two daughters, Barbara Lane of Venice, FL, and Carol (James Wensits) Schaal of South Bend; a son, Gary (Elizabeth) Schaal of Mishawaka; and a foster son, Gary (Wendy) Gridley of South Bend. He was preceded in death by four siblings, Ralph Schaal, Gale Schaal, Phyllis Reaker and Linda Eby. Mr. Schaal received a degree in accounting and business administration from the South Bend College of Commerce. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1945 to 1946, and then he returned to South Bend where he went to work for the Studebaker Corp. In 1955 he was hired as an accountant at the Oliver Corp. Over the years, he received several promotions. In 1974 he became manager for Customer Order Service, where he was responsible for many facets of the operation. In the mid-1960s, as a member of the Oliver Management Club, he was a Junior Achievement Advisor and in the late 1970s he joined the National Historical Society. After White-New Idea Farm Equipment announced in October of 1986 that the South Bend plant would be closed, Mr. Schaal was transferred to New Idea's facility in Coldwater, Ohio. He retired on June 30, 1989, and returned to South Bend. Following his retirement, Don worked with his wife at her resale shop, Gert's Closet, in South Bend. Together they scoured garage sales and antique shops for toys and children's furniture that he could fix up for resale. In 1967, Don and his wife were named Foster Parents of the Year of St. Joseph County. Don, also known as "Dutch," was a history buff who enjoyed golfing, bowling, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs and the Notre Dame football team. The family would like to thank Lisa and the staff at the Skillet Restaurant in South Bend for their many kindnesses, to the "eggs 'n' taters" guy, and the staff at Fountainview for their efforts at making him comfortable during the last three months of his life. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen, at 11:00 AM. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Elder David Enders will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com.