Lt. Cmd. (Ret.) Edward O. Schiess

SALEM - Lt. Commander (Retired) Edward O. Schiess, lifelong resident of Salem, died Friday, September 21, 2007.He was born in Dallas, Oregon, June 20, 1921, the first son of Otto and Emma Schiess, who immigrated from Switzerland. He attended Sacred Heart Academy, Salem High School, San Mateo College, and the University of Oregon, Class of 1943.He served in the Navy, as a fighter pilot, during WWII, aboard the aircraft carrier Essex with Carrier Air Group 83. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Seven Air Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation and several other military decorations. He served 20 years in the Naval Reserve at the end of WWII in Salem.He worked for United State Steel most of his life, retiring as Pacific Northwest Sales Manager. After retirement, he worked for Linn Gear Company of Lebanon, traveling the United States.He will be remembered for his commitment to and enjoyment of his family, tremendously positive attitude, and love of life. He thoroughly enjoyed the Oregon Coast, flying, golfing, bird hunting, and fishing.Ed was involved in community services throughout his life. He helped organize and serve as president of Eola Hills Fire District and served as president of College Heights Water Association. He was a long time member of the board of directors of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He enjoyed his responsibility as a commentator at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was a member of the parish for over 80 years.He is survived by his wife, Chris; six children, Christopher Schiess of Eugene, Marti Christiansen of Pleasanton, Calif., Pattie and Leo Woods of Salem, Tess and Randy Bartlett of Lebanon, Tom and Sue Schiess of Klamath Falls, and Jim and Heather Schiess of Salem; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Trudy Emerson of Salem. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Otto; and his brother, Raymond.Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 25th in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ed's name to St. Vincent DePaul Society, Willamette Valley Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. The Bollman Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, go to www.bollmanfuneralhome.com.