GROVER F. SCHINBECKLER

Grover Fredrick Schinbeckler, age 89, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully at 11:25 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2009 at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne. Born on January 27, 1920 in Laud, IN, he was orphaned the next day when his mother, Myrtle (Richmond) and father, Grover Cleveland Schinbeckler, died of a terrible influenza that ravished the country. Several days later his 5 year old sister succumbed to influenza also. Grover's surviving 2 year old brother, James, was taken to be raised by his Uncle Walter Schinbeckler and Grover was raised by Uncle John and Aunt Julia Schinbeckler. A lifetime Dunfee, Whitley County, resident, he spent 4 years at the Watson School in Whitley County, 4 years at St. Patrick's School in Arcola, IN and he graduated with the Class of 1939 from Central Catholic High School, Fort Wayne. He completed his education at the University of Dayton, Ohio, where he graduated with the Class of 1950 and he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Philosophy and English. His graduate work was completed at St. Louis, Missouri, School of Social Work. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he participated in two glider invasions during the Normandy, France, D-Day Invasion. He returned home in 1945. After college, he worked for Arco Transforming Winding Coil, Konkel Valve. For 28 years, he worked for the State of Indiana Welfare Department, Catholic Charities, and State Department of Corrections. For 24 years, he worked for the Lake County Department of Public Welfare.His memberships included Indiana Family Institute and he was very active in Pro-Life Northeast Indiana Rescue, Allen and Whitley Right to Life, Allen County Eagle Forum for Allen and Whitley Counties where he served as a board member, AARP, Post #82 American Legion and he served as past president of Holy Name Society. An official member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola, he taught CCD Christian Doctrine, served as Eucharistic Minister and Alter Server, organist and choir minister after World War II. He was organist for his adoptive mother's funeral mass while the children's choir sang. For many years he was an Embassy usher where he also played Santa Claus during the Christmas season.Survivors include a nephew, Jimmie Lee Schinbeckler of Columbia City, IN; friends, James (Emma) Momper of Fort Wayne; cousins, Michael J. Maley of Highland, IN and Mildred Bridge of Fort Wayne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Schinbeckler, sister, Evelyn Schinbeckler and adopted parents, John and Julia Schinbeckler.Visitation is 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. with one hour of calling prior to service on Friday, July 17, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Cyril Fernandes of St. Patrick's Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne with graveside military honors. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Schinbeckler to St. Patrick's Catholic Church Masses or Right to Life. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.