Leo P Schuch

Leo Patrick Schuch, 84, died Sunday, January 20, 2013 in his home on Horicon Lake, Gaylord. Leo was born on May 22, 1928 in Saginaw to George & Marcella (Darby) Schuch.

Leo graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw where he lettered in track. He furthered his education at Eastern Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and at Wayne State University where he received his Master of Arts degree in Industrial Arts Education. He met his future wife, Jeanette Monaghan, and they married at St. John Catholic Church in Ypsilanti on July 26, 1950.

For 16 years Leo taught Industrial Arts in the Detroit Public Schools. After a move to New Jersey where Leo spent 3 years as Director of the State Department of Vocational Education, Leo and his family moved to Okemos, MI where he was instrumental in the construction of the Capital Area Career Center in Mason. He served as the director until his retirement. During his teaching days Leo spent 5 summers, from 1960-1965, as a ranger at the Otsego Lake State Park.

Throughout his life Leo was an active community member. He helped coach little league baseball, boy scouts and gun safety to young children. During Christmas Leo and his wife, Jeanette, were often seen around town as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral and the Knights of Columbus. He was assistant director for M.A.R.S.P. for 5 years in Otsego County. Leo loved hunting and fishing and was a member of the Otsego Sportsman’s Club.
Leo had a variety of hobbies but especially enjoyed woodworking, hunting, camping and sports. He loved watching his grandchildren grow.

Leo is survived by his wife, Jeanette (Monaghan) of 62 years; children Janice Schuch of Ferndale, WA, Nancy (Randy) Paris of Sherburn, MN, Sally (Tapu) Silvennoinen of Ann Arbor and Dan Schuch of Lansing; 6 grandchildren and 3 ½ great grandchildren; 5 sisters, Regina Lemmer of Naples, FL, Ann Kueffner of Saginaw, Marilyn Roberts of Saginaw, Josephine Peterson of Saginaw and Pat Schuch of Forestville, CA. Leo was preceded in death by a sister Marcella Nehmer and brothers Jack, James, Gerald and Larry Schuch.

Leo suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for over 10 years and was cared for in his home by his wife and caregiver, Polly Starr. In keeping with Leo’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Plans will be made for a family and friends gathering next summer at the home Leo built on Horicon Lake. A memorial service will be held at that time and a special bench will be inscribed with “I Am with You Always”, Leo P. Schuch May 22, 1928 – January 20, 1913.

The family would like to receive memories, stories and photos to be included in a memory book which may be sent to the family through the funeral home. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions in Leo’s memory to Hospice of Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association through Gaylord Funeral & Cremation Service, 850 N. Center Ave., P.O. Box 249, Gaylord, MI 49734. www.gaylordfuneralhome.com

A memorial mass for Leo will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 27, 2013 at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Street, Gaylord, MI 49735. The family invites you to a luncheon immediately following the mass at Wisconsin Street Hall, 610 Wisconsin Street, Gaylord, MI 49735. Please RSVP for the luncheon by email to sallysilven@comcast.net by July 13th.