Harold D. Schlemmer

Harold D. Schlemmer, 73, of Bremen, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Bremen Health Care Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on June 25, 1935, in Madison Twp, St. Joseph County, IN, to Alexander & Catherine (Foeckler) Schlemmer.

He married Patsy (Johnson) Gouker on April 26, 1957. She survives.

Harold attended Lutheran School in Bremen until 8th grade, then graduated from Bremen High School in 1954. He retired from Uniroyal of Mishawaka in 1991 after 28 ½ years of employment. He became a Registered Clock Maker in 1976 and until present, was the only Registered Clock Maker operating in Marshall County. He was a great handyman and could fix anything. Harold was also a member St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bremen. He was a Fast-Pitch Softball Pitcher for 52 years in many local leagues from 1946-1998. He was taught to pitch softball by a couple of the best pitchers: Dr. Otis Bowen and Tib George. After undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery in 1994 he went back to pitching the following year and his team won the Class B State Tourney.

Survivors include his Wife Patsy Schlemmer of Bremen, 1 son: Mike (Barb) Gouker of Plymouth, 3 daughters: Cindy (Dave) Leavell of Plymouth, Pam Gouker of Plymouth, Betsy Gouker Paul of Houston, TX, 4 grandchildren: Chad (Stephanie) Bishop of Plymouth, Aaron (Kerri) Bishop of Houston, TX, Abby (Charles) Knisley of NC, Ashley Paul of Houston, TX, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers: Nelson Schlemmer of Mishawaka, Stanley (Mary) of North Liberty, Wayne (Naomi) Schlemmer of South Bend, Several nieces and nephews, and long-time family friend Deb Hanson.

He was preceded in Death by: 1 daughter: Peggy Schlemmer Paul, 2 brothers: Kenneth and Forrest.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 2:30PM, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (605 S Center St) in Bremen. Pastor Roger Rohde and Pastor Neil Wonnacott will officiate. Burial will take place at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, from 4-8PM at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice or to Bremen Health Care Center for their loving care and kindness shown to Harold and his family.

ALL SERVICES FOR HAROLD SCHLEMMER WILL BE AT THE CHURCH.