Doug Schemmel

Alvord, Iowa

     Douglas Schemmel, age 83, of Alvord, Iowa, died on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at The Cottage in Luverne, MN.

     Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Inwood.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM at the church.

     Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, March 3, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Inwood with Rev. Sue Sinclair, officiating.

     Douglas Gene Schemmel was born on February 5, 1940, in Rock Rapids, IA, the son of Herman and Irene (Reit) Schemmel. Doug graduated from Alvord High School in 1957. He started working for Pete Rogers at the gas station at the corner of Hwy 9 & 75 in Rock Rapids. Doug was united in marriage to Harriet Marra on October 23, 1960. They made their home in Rock Rapids for a couple of years and then moved to Alvord where they raised their 5 children.  When they moved, Doug continued his father's career, working for Lyon County operating a road grader for the next 39 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, canoeing and admiring John Deere tractors.   He also was an Iowa Hawkeye, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Dodger fan. He played first base on the area border league softball team for years and served on the Alvord Fire Department for 36 years.

     Doug is survived by his wife, Harriet Schemmel of Alvord; their children, Brad (Teresa) Schemmel of Alvord; Russ Schemmel of Newborn, GA; Susan (Mark) Nagel of Alvord; Kurt (Marcella Medicine Horn) Schemmel of Lake Andes, SD; Steve (Sarah) Schemmel of Larchwood; nine grandchildren: Mariah Schemmel, Rebecca Pickens, Luke Nagel, Amanda Weiman, Ashley Schemmel, Ethan Schemmel, Tristen Schemmel, Dylan Schemmel and Jenna Schemmel. and eight great grandchildren:  Joseph Pickens, Aubrie Pickens, Ellis Pickens, Wyatt Pickens, Kenlee Nagel, Aaiden Schemmel, Jaycob Hopper and Meredith Margiotti; brother, Galen (Suzanne) Schemmel of Alvord; sister, Janet (Bob) Newborg of Alvord; brother-in-law, Gerrit (Charlotte) Marra of Merrill, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.  And a special friend, Thee Schemmel.

     Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Irene Schemmel; daughter-in-law, Barbara Schemmel and granddaughter, Amber Schemmel.