Herbert J. Scheidler

Herbert J. Scheidler, 84, Greensburg, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, from complications following a stroke. Herb was born in Greensburg on July 18, 1926 to Bernard Scheidler and Laura (Tebbe) Scheidler. His mother died when he was seven and his father then married Loretta (Moeller) Scheidler. He was the oldest child and had four sisters. He attended St. Mary’s elementary school and graduated from Greensburg High School in 1944. Herb reported for duty in the Army in January of 1945. In January of 1946 he was sent to Germany and later to France to assist with returning the troops back to America. He was discharged in January of 1947. In April of 1948, Herb married Juanita Springmeyer. They had five children, all of whom survive. In 1947, Herb started working at “The Schultz Co.,” a furniture store on the square (now Taft Furniture.) It was the start of a 45-year career in the furniture business. He retired from Taft Furniture in 1992. He managed the store for many years and was famous as “Happy Herb” in promotional campaigns he spearheaded including the “Spruce Up Sale,” the “Silver Dollar Giveaway,” the “Pork Chop Giveaway” and the “Clowning Around Sale.” He was a born salesman and loved every minute of it. In 1963 he also began selling monuments for Wearly Monuments and was still involved with that at the time of his death. Herb was dedicated to making his community a better place. He served on the Greensburg City Council from 1969 to 1972 and 1979 to 1982. He was the Democrat Party Treasurer from 1981 until the time of his death. In 1983 he was named St. Mary’s Parishioner of the Year. Also, in 1983 he served as president of the Greensburg Chamber of Commerce. He served on St. Mary’s Parish Council and Board of Education in the 1980s. Herb was named Greensburg’s Optimist of the Year in 1990. July 21, 1991 was declared “Herb Scheidler Day” in honor of his community service by the Mayor. He was instrumental in bringing the Meals on Wheels program to Greensburg and was on its first board of directors. Over the years he continued to be involved in the program delivering meals until the time of his death. Beginning in 1991, Herb became involved with the Hospice of Decatur County. He attended training and found volunteering with the Hospice one of the most satisfying experiences of his life. In 1992 he received the National Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate Award and was also named Elder Hoosier of the Year by the Area XI Agency on Aging. Herb was instrumental in the founding and establishment of the Decatur County Community Foundation and served as the first Executive Director on a volunteer basis from 1992-1999. In 2001, he was recognized for his commitment to the DCCF by being the first member to be inducted into its highest honor, the Stephen Decatur Society. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2002. Herb was also active with Bread of Life, September Place, Board of Works, the Housing Repair Project, the Civic Club, the Greensburg Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Tree City Club, the Conservation Club, the American Legion, Knights of St. John, Project Help, Decatur County Heart Association, Greensburg Economic Development Commission, and the Decatur County Democratic Central Committee. He enjoyed watching the Reds, Pacers and the Butler Bulldogs. Herb is survived by his wife, Juanita Scheidler; five children and their spouses, Ken (Karen) Scheidler, Indianapolis, John Scheidler, Greensburg, Joe (Lee) Scheidler, Logansport, Mary (David) Miers, Greensburg, and Phil (Lisa Santos) Scheidler, Santa Rosa, Ca.; six grandchildren, Erica (Lee) Hopewell, Stephen (Kimmie) Gauck, Jacob Scheidler, Luke Scheidler, Lydia (Blaise Freeman) Scheidler, and Diana (Kevin) Horstman; two great-grandchildren, Christopher Gauck and Addie Gauck; and his four sisters, Betty Meyer, Dorine Bruns, Ruth (Al) Knecht and Carole (Rock) Effron. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brother-in-laws, Hubert Meyer, Don Bruns; one grandchild, Paul Gauck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 26 at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will be held in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Greensburg, Indiana. Friends may call on Wednesday, May 25, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 p.m. at the Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home, 302 North Franklin Street in Greensburg with a public rosary to be prayed at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Parish Building Fund or the Decatur County Community Foundation. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com