Gale A. Schaal

Gale A. Schaal, 88, passed away at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Michiana Health and Rehabilitation Center, Mishawaka.  Mr. Schaal was born on December 9, 1924 in Plymouth, IN to the late Ralph C. and Cora F. (Kanarr) Schaal.  He has been a lifelong area resident.  On September 2, 1945 in Plymouth, he married Virginia M. Evans who preceded him in death on October 20, 2010.  Two sisters, Phyllis Reaker and Linda Eby; and one brother, Ralph Schaal, also preceded their brother in death.

Mr. Schaal is survived by his six children, Patricia (John) Hanson of Gallatin, TN, Kathleen (Larry) Burcham of Granger, Roberta D. Himes of South Bend, John M. Schaal of Mishawaka, William (Christina) Schaal of Granger, and Charles (Amy) Schaal of South Bend; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren;  brother, Donald (Gertrude) Schaal of South Bend; sister-in-law, June Schaal of Plymouth; and two brothers-in-law, Dale Reaker and Jerry Eby, both of Plymouth.

Mr. Schaal retired from Oliver-White Farm after 23 years in management.  Previously, he worked for 19 years at Studebaker Corporation.  Mr. Schaal proudly served his country during WWII with the United State Army.  He enjoyed restoring cars, bowling and was a member of the Twin City Men's Bowling Club.  He loved to golf, achieving two holes in one. He loved woodworking but his true passion was his home and garden.  He grew a huge garden every year and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.  His well kept yard on Ivy Road for the past sixty-one years served as a gathering place for family and friends.  A destination on Christmas Eve, Dad loved having his family at home, all in one place. . .   Affectionately he was known as the "Mayor of Ivy Road", Stringbean, Daddy, Dad, Pops or Grandpa.  He is loved and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN.  Military graveside services will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.  Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. 

Contributions in memory of Gale A. Schaal may be donated to Logan School, 114 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN  46615 or St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  
 

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