Joseph “Joe” S. Schaler, 74, of Lincoln, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was born December 24, 1949, in Indianapolis, IN, to Walt, Sr. and Catherine (Murt) Schaler. He married Melanie Boyer on December 31, 2005 and she preceded him in death on June 15, 2019.
Survivors include his daughters, Sara (Sam) of Nashville, TN, Emily (Aaron) of Fishers, IN, Katie Schaler and Clair Schaler both of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Fletcher, Leona, and Wyatt; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Aaron Schaler; two brothers, Walt Schaler, Jr., and Bob Schaler; and sister, Margaret Schaler.
Joe was a recipient of the Purple Heart and served in the United States Marines in the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. After his service, he went on to become a salesman at Banker’s Life and Casualty for many years before retirement.
He was a proud member and prior Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 159 and assisted in leading the accreditation of Illinois as a Purple Heart State. Joe was founder and chairman of the Central Illinois Veterans Commission which is set to have groundbreaking for its sixth and seventh tiny homes for veterans experiencing homelessness in Central Illinois. In congruence with this mission, he has been active in the creation of Hope on 5th, which will provide counseling, emergency housing and other services to the community. Joe's servant heart has involved him in various events for the American Legion, VFW, Patriot Guard, Lincoln Christian Church (and many more!) and earned him the title of 2016 Citizen of the Year. He had a knack for leaving every community and person better off and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to those around him. Though Joe has physically left this earth, his legacy will continue on through the lives of all those he has positively impacted.
Family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm CST at Lincoln Banquet Center, 201 Madigan Dr, Lincoln, IL.
Graveside Service: 12:00 pm ET, Monday, June 10, 2024 at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Veterans Commission or to the Military
Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 159.
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