Fred Schelm

To Fred Schelm, every day was a good day and he could always bring a smile to those around him with his mischievous antics, his quick wit, and his great sense of humor. One could always count on Fred to brighten the mood in any difficult situation and like a glorious rainbow splashed across the sky, he made it his daily goal to spread laughter and good cheer to anyone placed in his path. Fred was fun-loving and was loyal to his family and friends, a true gentleman if ever there was one.

The year 1942 was a difficult one for our country as many of our men were serving overseas during WWII, defending our nation’s freedom after we were viciously attacked on our homeland on December 7, 1941. Vincent and Margaret (Fuller) Schelm were able to focus their attention on their own joyous occasion within their own family, however; as Margaret was due to give birth to their third child at any time. They were indeed blessed on June 12, 1942 with the healthy birth of their son, Fred. Although he was born in Indianapolis, Fred grew up in the family home located in Monrovia, Indiana where he was all boy. He loved to play cowboys, fish, and hunt, ride horses, and play various sports as well, always keeping his parents on their toes.

From an early age, Fred fostered a fun-loving spirit and was always able to make those around him laugh not only with his great sense of humor, but with his rather silly side too. Fred was one of eight children in his family and his siblings were often the recipients of his mischievous side. Fred was “kind” enough to teach his siblings how to swim by throwing them off the diving board, leaving them to sink or swim-literally! As a student, Fred attended local schools and while in high school, he was social and outgoing and also played basketball. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1960 and continued his studies at Fort Wayne Bible College.

Life became greatly enriched for Fred when he married and although the marriage ultimately ended, he was blessed with the births of two daughters, Cathy and Cindy who are just 14 months apart in age. Fred embraced his role as a father and impressed valuable lessons upon his daughters that have helped shape the women they have become. He taught them how to hunt, how to water ski, the ins and outs of boating, and even about construction and cookouts. The longstanding joke within their family was that Fred had, to some extent, wanted two boys but he got two girls instead! Fred and his daughters fostered close relationships that continued into their adult years and so did their love for toys that he passed along to them as well. The most important lesson that Fred taught his daughters was the value of working hard, but playing hard too. Fred was a devoted father who sacrificed many things in order to provide his daughters with enriching experiences and precious memories.

Fred was an accomplished businessman who worked in the family businesses which included Musky Schelm & Sons and Vincent Furs as well. He became partners with his father and brother Herb in the fur business and Vincent Furs is a well-known and respected business in the Mooresville area still today. Later, Fred worked as the director of the fur division and as a retail consultant for Gordon Brothers too.

Not only did Fred work hard, but he played hard as well, as he was a firm believer in this philosophy. Opening day of squirrel season was a big tradition in the Schelm family and was also an opportunity for great memories to be made. Fred loved to tease and joke around with his friends and family and he loved being social too.

A man of great character, Fred always carried himself with integrity, honesty, and generosity. He was always there to support others in whatever way he could, but he also expected things to be done appropriately as well. Fred was a bit curious and inquisitive; he liked to have a plan and to know where things were headed, whether great or small.

Life took a pleasant turn for Fred when he met a delightful woman named Patty Gingras while working for Gordon Brothers. Patty was drawn to his gentle nature and they were quickly smitten with each other. It didn’t take long before they had fallen in love and they were united in marriage on June 12, 1993. It was always evident that they were not only soul mates, but the best of friends as well.

In April of 2001, life again changed a bit for Fred as he was diagnosed with cancer. Like anything else in his life, Fred faced his diagnosis head on and fought the disease with fearless strength and determination, laced with grace as only he could.

Whether he was telling a great story, teasing a loved one, or carrying out a business transaction, Fred Schelm carried himself with strength, compassion, and good old fashioned humor. His zest for life and abundant joy were contagious to all who were blessed enough to cross paths with Fred and he embraced each day he was given. Fred was a devoted father and dedicated businessman who helped build a successful business built on honesty and concern for their customers. “Work hard-play hard,” was Fred’s motto, a feat he accomplished with ease making memories along the way which will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed.

Fred Schelm of Monrovia, died April 14, 2009, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred’s family includes his wife, Patty Schelm; daughters, Cathy (Gordon) Ryan of Endicott, New York and Cindy (Mike) Johnson of Mooresville; brother, Herb (Paula) Schelm of Monrovia; sisters, Diane (Don) Rhudy of Monrovia, Jeanie (Mark) Schelm-Blackwell of Nashville, Sandra (Tom) Hayes-White of Monrovia, Toni (Ned) Campbell of South Haven, Michigan, Patty (Bill) Wallace of Monrovia, and Kim (Dick) Heald of Monrovia; grandchildren, Fred Henderson, David Ryan, and Christopher Ryan; Christen Johnson and Kim Shreve; great grandchildren, Christian Rash, Chloe Shreve, and Camden Shreve. Visit with Fred’s family and friends on Friday, April 17, 2009, 4-8 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, IN. Funeral services to celebrate Fred’s life will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2009, in the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, Indiana. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory, or sign the online guest registry.