John Robert Scheidler, Coldwater, was a kind, gentle husband, father, grandfather and brother. He died June 4, 2015 after a 16 year battle with Alzheimer's. He was with family and in the amazing and loving care of Stacy Herman at Almost Like Home.

One of Rollin and Irma Scheidler's eight children, John was born October 12, 1936. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, sons Andrew(Rachel)Scheidler, Pretty Lake, Indiana, Joe Scheidler, Tahoe City, California, and John(Doreen)Scheidler, Staunton, Virginia, his grandchildren Nathan, Lindsey, Samantha, Hana and Olive Scheidler.

John grew up with three brothers and four sisters: Beth Lou(Russell)Zebolsky, Francis(Lou, Don)Johnson, Bressler, Donnie(Pat)Scheidler, Rolly(Mary)Scheidler, David(Gena)Scheidler, Irma(Gordon)Hinckley and Becky(Dean, Ken)Moore, Bible and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

His favorite earliest memory was sitting with his siblings on their sunny backyard steps on warm summer mornings, eating bread and jam with their mother while they talked. He became fascinated with airplanes and flying, and kept a scrapbook of airplane silhouettes during WWII in order to watch for them in the sky.

While at Coldwater High School, his favorite sport was tennis, and he started flying with friends Larry Waldron and Tony Gruner, who restored a WWII PT Trainer. Some of their flights included cutting a roll of toilet paper with the propeller as many times as possible as it unrolled and floated towards the ground. John later took flying lessons. He graduated from Tri-State University, in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy in 1959, and was hired by Climax Specialty Metals in Coldwater.

After three months in the USAF, Critical Skills Program, John married Ruth Herman in June, 1960. They bought a cottage on Coldwater Lake and remodeled it as their family grew with the arrival of three sons. John designed and built a large porch in the trees overlooking the lake.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memories. Friends who wish to share special memories of their friendship with John are encouraged to write or type them, add their signatures and bring them to the Celebration or mail to Ruth.

John has been cremated and a private burial will take place. A Celebration of John's Life will be held in late July at the Scheidlers' home on Coldwater Lake. Details will be published in July. Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home. www.dutcherfh.com.