Melvin Richard Schoessler

Melvin Richard Schoessler passed away on Oct. 22, 2015, at age 92. He was born Sept. 27, 1923, on a wheat farm in Ritzville, Washington, to John and Kathryn Schoessler. He was the fourth of five children.

In 1932, they moved to Astoria, where he lived the rest of his life. He graduated from Astoria High School in 1942, and then went into the U.S. Army on June 16, 1943. He served some of that time in Okinawa, Japan.

On Aug. 17, 1944, he married Bernice Gustafson. They were married for 30 years at the time Bernice passed away.

Mel married a high school friend, Shirley Crane, on May 3, 1974. They were married for 38 years when she passed away.

He worked at Lovell Auto Co. as a body man for 40 years, and retired in 1989.

Mel was very spiritual his entire life and belonged to Grace Community Baptist Church for many years.

He enjoyed camping, reading and studying the Bible, and photography. During his life he traveled to Hawaii, Norway, the Philippines and Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rueben, sisters Elsie and Viola, and his stepson James Allen Crane Sr.

He is survived by his sister Geneva Pechstein, stepdaughters Diana Velder and husband Duane, and Alice Santilli and husband Ron. He has seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Remembrances may be sent to hospice or the charity of your choice.

Visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 25, at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary. Funeral services were held at Monday, Oct. 26, at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary with a reception following at Grace Community Baptist Church, 1195 Irving Ave., Astoria.

A private graveside service with vault interment followed at Ocean View Cemetery.

An online guest book may be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com