Lawrence Scheidel of Wayland died Friday, Oct. 16. He was 95.
Larry was inducted into the Army Air Corp in July 1943, served stateside until January 1947. He was stationed in Sioux Falls, SD, attending radio school to become a “Radio Operator/Gunner” on a B-17 aircraft. That is where he met Dorothy McKercher in April 1944. A 73-year relationship developed from that meeting.
After returning from the service, he began a career at Lear Inc. in October 1952, rising from a line inspector to a tester/analyzer to a test equipment builder repairman to supervisor for 16 years and finally to quality engineering for his last 12 years there. He retired in March 1987.
He and Dorothy were blessed with six children, Edward J. and Suzanne Scheidel, R. Dianne and Robert DeHaan, Karen A. and Jim Uhen, son-in-law, Thomas Sanok, Morris J. and Carol Scheidel, and Marty R. and Traci Scheidel; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren; stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren and stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, parents Augie and Viola Scheidel; sister, Patricia; brother, Edward; daughter, Charlotte A.; and granddaughter, Sally Szubinski.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at CrossWind Community Church, 1683 142nd Ave., Dorr with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor George Grevenstuk will be officiating. The American Legion Post 127 in Dorr will perform military honors.
Larry will be cremated after the funeral services. There will be no graveside services at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Post 127, American Legion Dorr or Faith Hospice.
May God rest his soul.
Anyone who crewed a B-17G is a better person than I. One heck of an American, rest in peace, you earned it.