SCHULER
Walter Heinrich
September 5, 1924 ~ July 19, 2014
Walter was born at Walsh, Alberta on September 5, 1924 to Gottlob and Anna Schuler. There were nine children in his family: Molly, George, Melita, Bill, Mike, Emma, Walter, his twin brother Art and Norman. Some of his family moved to the Endiang area when Walter and Art were 8 years old. He attended school at Crow Hill for 7 years. This was very difficult for him as he had to walk four or five miles one way and then when school was finished he had to re-walk it. At the age of 15, Walter went to work for Fred and Margaret Walker at their Endiang farm. They became very dear friends to Walter and his family in the years to come. Over the next couple of years, Walter worked at various farm jobs in the area, until deciding to join the army.
Walter enlisted on October 20, 1943. He took his training in Calgary and Camrose and was sent overseas in 1944 to fight in World War II. He was enlisted as a Rifleman under the Royal Winnipeg Rifle regiment. He travelled to England by the Ile de France ship and was sent to fight in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. While fighting in France he was wounded and was sent on leave to the United Kingdom. Near the end of his leave, he travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland where he met his future wife, Isabella (Ella) Gillies. Shortly after this, Walter was sent back for more active duty in the war. Due to another injury Walter was sent back to the United Kingdom for sick leave. While recuperating, he once again met up with Ella and the rest is history. At the end of the war in 1945, Walter volunteered to go back with the Occupational Forces to Holland, Germany and Belgium following VE Day. Due to prior injuries not healing, he was sent home to Canada for official discharge on May 30, 1946 after serving 3 years in the army.
Walter became an official farmer when he returned to the Endiang area in 1946 and purchased his first half section of land known as the Kammerle place.
In 1949, Walter sent Ella her ticket to come to Canada and marry him. Walter and Ella were married on May 21, 1949 in Hanna, Alberta. From this union, Walter and Ella had four children born over the next six years: Stewart, Ann, Doreen and Andrew (Andy). Due to complications Stewart lived only one day. Walter and Ella bought more land from Bennie Ziemmer and moved to this new location where they raised their family. For many years Walter farmed with his team of horses which he dearly loved. He also had cattle and grain farmed. Walter and Ella were very busy volunteers with the Endiang Community Club for many many years. Walter and Ella sold their farm at Endiang, bought a house and retired to Stettler in 1993. Walter was very active in Stettler with his floor curling and bowling. In May of 2003 Walter lost Ella, the love of his life. His world was never quite the same. Walter had several moves in Stettler after Ella's death including Paragon Place, Pine Ridge Long Term care facility and finally in July 2013, Points West Supportive Living. Walter's quality of life continued to fail as this last year passed.
Walter Schuler of Stettler passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, at Points West Living, on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the age of 89 years.
Mr. Walter Schuler was laid to rest with his beloved wife Ella on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler, Alberta. A celebration of Walter's life followed in the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home officiated by long time friend Mr. Ken Schultz. A history of Walter's life was presented by friend June Mattheis and a loving tribute was given by daughter Ann Schuler. A beautiful slideshow of Walter's life in pictures was prepared by Becky Nixon and Andrea and Dennis Smyth. Dennis Smyth presented the touching poem I Am A Veteran, followed by the Last Post Service with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #59. In memory of Walter, memorial donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, who were entrusted with the care and arrangements.
To send or view condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com