Violet Schekel

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Violet Irene (Hetterle) Schekel, 94, of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at the Avera Oahe Haven, Gettysburg.

Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Father Jerry Kopel, celebrant. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2016, with a 5:30 p.m. wake service at the church.

Violet Hetterle Schekel was born to Emmanuel and Mary (Kapfenstein) Hetterle on July 7, 1921 on a farm northeast of Selby, SD. She had an older brother, Art, and a younger sister, Gloria. When Violet was four years old, her father died and the family moved to Java, SD. This is where Violet received her education graduating from Java High School in 1939. During this time she also lived in Gettysburg and Hoven, SD.

After graduating from high school, Violet attended NYA (National Youth Administration) school in Lebanon, SD two weeks out of the month. The other two weeks she worked in a café at Gettysburg and Hoven, SD.

After WWII began in 1941, the Defense plants begin hiring and Violet moved to Chicago. Violet worked in several Defense plants until being laid off. At that time she joined the WAC, and was sent to Ft Moines, Iowa for basics. Violet was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas before being shipped overseas. She was stationed in England and Paris, France until the end of the war.

After her discharge, Violet moved back to Gettysburg and worked in the AAA office for a while. She then decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled and graduated from Cosmetology School in Milwaukee, WI. Returning to Gettysburg, she went to work for Thelma Smith at Thelma’s Beauty Shop.

During this time she met a farmer/rancher, Lorin Schekel, who had just returned from the war. They were married on May 5, 1949 and were married for 52 years. They ran a farm/ranch operation south east of Gettysburg, SD. Lorin passed away in 2001. Violet continued to live at home until entering the Oahe nursing home in January, 2016.

Violet was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, VFW, VFW Auxiliary, Medicine Rock Cattle Women, where she served as secretary for many years, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was clerk of the Elida School District for 15 years. In her spare time, she liked to sew and cook.

Violet is survived by her four daughters: Gayle Schekel of Gettysburg, Robin (Joe) Howell of Miramar, Florida, Joanne (Mike) Carter of Glenham, and Lori (Kevin) Kirby of Barry, TX; 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister, Gloria Woitte of New Ulm, MN; sister-in-law, Alice Schekel of Gettysburg and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Violet in death were her father, Emmanual; her mother, Mary Murphey; husband, Lorin; son, Patrick; granddaughter, Dawn Carter; brother, Art Hetterle; brothers-in-law: Ray, Derold and Leonard Schekel, and Robert Woitte; sisters-in-law: Virginia and Alpha Schekel, and Leni Hetterle; and nephew, Bobby Woitte.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Violet’s arrangements.