Arthur Schichtel

With a warm smile and a grateful heart, Arthur Schichtel lived a life devoted to family. Art was humble, kind, fun-loving, hardworking, and steadfast. His greatest joy came from the simple pleasures of spending time with those he loved, especially his family. With unwavering commitment and love, he gave all he could to ensure others were well cared for and supported. Whether cheering on his kids' and grandkids' endeavors, traveling with his beloved wife, or reminiscing about his youth with his siblings, Art enjoyed every moment he was given. Cherished by many, Art will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

With the rearming of US forces, the strains of the Great Depression began to ease. Americans' incomes grew, and their increased spending further fueled the economy. In the US, the optimism of leaving the depression behind inspired the making of several classic movies, including "Gone With the Wind" and the "Great Dictator," while the invigorating sounds of Benny Goodman and Count Basie's Jazz filled our homes with hope. Newly invented Nylon stockings were all the rage with women, and FDR was elected for an unprecedented third term. Despite the ominous winds of change blowing in from Europe, the foundation of hope and generosity our nation had firmly rooted itself in as a result of the preceding decade's hardships could not be shaken. It was within this overwhelming feeling of fortitude, generosity, and hope that Art was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Christmas Eve in 1940 to the late Arthur Herman and Alma Johana (Rodanhisler) Schichtel.

The second of ten children who blessed their family, Art grew up in a home rich in tradition. Both born in Germany, Art's parents raised their children with strong family values rooted in their Catholic faith. Mother Alma bore ten children and was a busy homemaker while Arthur Sr. managed the family's grocery store. The Grocery and Confectionery, well known for having the best cookies in town, was across the street from St. James Catholic Church, where the family explored their faith, and Art's father served as an usher. The family made their first home on First Street before moving to National St., where they remained close to church and school.

Typical of the times, the neighborhoods were inhabited primarily by Europeans who immigrated to the United States after WW2 in search of better opportunities for their families. Everyone knew everyone, and as many families did not own cars, it was also common to walk to local businesses or use the bus for travel. Art, and his siblings, Rose, Ray, Tom, Dorothy, John, Theresa, Joseph, Mike, and Patty, were very close; the older children often helped care for the younger kids. Holidays were simple affairs, and the whole extended family gathered for Sunday Dinner after church.

Art attended St. James Catholic and Union High schools and walked to Lincoln Park in Summer. He also played football, went swimming, skated at the pond at John Ball Park, and played school sports. He walked to the movie theater and enjoyed summer picnics and rides to Grand Haven. Trips to visit Alama's relatives in Dorr, Michigan, were often serenaded by the kids' frequent "are we there yet?" especially during the hot summer months as vehicles did not yet have air conditioning.

As a teen, John Ball Park and Zoo continued to be gathering places where dances became particularly of interest. Art liked working at Ver Brugee's Service Station. He also worked in the family grocery store and sold the store's produce door-to-door. Family tales of legend include when Art purchased a black Ford but didn't tell his parents because he didn't have a license. The family once entered a contest sponsored by the Time Town Theaters involving "The Seven Little Toys," a Broadway play starring Bob Hope. As the Schichtel children's ages aligned with the kids' in the play, the family won a prize of $25.00.

At the age of 15, Art met his wife, Linda Stacilauskas, through a mutual friend. The couple dated for five years and married in 1960 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The newlyweds rented a home at 910 Dayton Street and became parents at the age of 20. With Linda at his side, Art assumed the responsibilities of parenting while still young himself. Their sons, Dennis and Stacey, were their worlds, and they worked hard to create a loving and supportive home for them. Art raised the kids during the day while Linda worked as an English teacher at Grandville High School. Linda took over in the evening when she came home from school, and Art left to work the second shift at General Motors.

In 1964 the couple drove their brand-new 1964 Impala to the New York World's Fair for a honeymoon. With two incomes, Art and Linda were able to save enough money to build a brand new home in Walker. They moved to their forever home in 1960 and installed a built-in swimming pool in the early 1970s. Art loved to swim every day before going to work. Favorite memories with his sons include taking Dennis to his first movie, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and his first concert, Sha Na Na, in the 70s. Art loved attending Stacey's hockey games when he played for West Catholic in High School.

Art enjoyed many things, including country music; the twangier, the better. Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash were two of his favorite artists. While he didn't read books, he did enjoy reading the newspaper and keeping up with current events. Cooking was never Art's, but he loved seafood, especially at Red Lobster. Family vacations in the motor home and celebrating birthdays with family and friends were always memorable. After working for GM for 38 years, Art retired, and travel became even more fun. Trips to Florida, Arizona, and Las Vegas, and a vacation in Europe proved wonderful adventures. He also found a lot of pleasure in tending his backyard garden, listening to the Tigers on the radio, collecting coins, and family gatherings.

While Art was proud of owning and driving his family around in a beautiful 1957 Chevy in the late 60s and a white Cadillac Coupe DeVille in the 80s, nothing made him prouder than his family. Art was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family more than anything. His grandchildren were his heart's delight, and he treasured the many pictures he had of them in his room. As we fondly share our many treasured memories of Art, may we find much comfort in the countless ways he touched our lives and in the honor of carrying his legacy of love and devotion forward.

Arthur "Art" Clemens Schichtel Jr., age 81, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022, in the comfort of his home and in the company of his family. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and two of his brothers, Thomas Schichtel and Raymond (Pam) Schichtel, and brother-in-law Thomas Lake. Art is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda (Stacilauskas); their two sons, Dennis (Donna Mobilia) and Stacey Schichtel; three grandchildren, Luke, Lindsay, and Cameron; brothers, Michael (Deb) Schichtel, Joseph Schichtel, John (Trish) Schichtel; sisters, Rosemary Schnipke, Dorothy Lake, Theresa (Emmitt) Reynolds, and Patricia (Rich) Canfield; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to remember Art's life will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504.) Friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 5-8 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, as well as prior to the service at church beginning at 10:00 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Arthur's memory to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. To share a favorite memory of Art and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.