Gertrude E. Schaal

Gertrude E. "Gert" Schaal, 87, of South Bend, died peacefully in her sleep on June 30, 2015, allowing her at last to join her late husband, Donald E. "Dutch" Schaal, whom she had mourned since his death in November 2013.

She was born Oct. 16, 1927, in Wyatt, Ind., to Marvin and Pearl (Enders) Odiorne, both of whom preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her siblings, Gene Odiorne, Edward Odiorne, AI Odiorne, Isabel Kitson Bishop, Joan Walter, and Vera Mae Odiorne.

Gert spent most of her life in northern Indiana, where she attended, Madison, Bremen and Lakeville schools and was later employed at the Bendix Corporation and then the S.S. Kresge store, both in South Bend. Later in her life she operated resale stores, one on Merrifield Avenue in Mishawaka and the other, known as Gert's Closet, in River Park.

She married the love of her life, Donald E. Schaal, on Sept. 2, 1948, in Middlebury. Together they raised four children: Barbara (Pete Stellato) Lane of Venice, FL; Carol (James Wensits) Schaal of South Bend; Gary (Elizabeth) Schaal of South Bend; and Gary (Wendy) Gridley of South Bend, all of whom survive, along with several nieces and nephews.

Gert and Don also took in many foster children during their marriage, and their willingness to do so led to them being named as St. Joseph County's Foster Parents of the Year in 1967.

Gert took an interest in many things. She enjoyed gardening, antiquing, reading, word games and playing cards with friends and family. Gert also had a flair for designing houses, including one that she and Don had built for them inMishawaka.

A visitation hour will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Bremen Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Frantz L. Dantzler Friends for Life Fund, P.O. Box 171, Notre Dame, IN 46556, an organization that underwrites veterinary care for the pets of needy people.