Richard Schoeler

Richard Schoeler, 97, passed away December 5th, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.

Richard was born October 17th, 1926 in Valley City, North Dakota. Richard was raised on the family farm located in Courtenay, North Dakota and was the son of Albert and Helen Schoeler. He shared his life on the farm with his younger brother John and his sister Marilyn. After graduating from high school in Courtenay, Richard attended Valley City Teacher's College in Valley City, North Dakota. Richard soon realized that education and teaching was his calling.

While attending college one class he was enrolled in was a Children's Literature Class. He was acting in the play "Billy Goat's Gruff, when he met the love of his life, Helen. Richard and Helen were married on June 4th, 1950 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota. They celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary on June 4th 2022.

Both Richard and Helen shared the same passion for teaching and began their teaching careers in small rural schools in the communities surrounding Jamestown, North Dakota. In 1958, Richard and Helen, and their son, Larry, moved to Worland, Wyoming after accepting teaching positions in Worland.

Early on, Richard began playing the piano and he loved singing, too. His love for music evolved and he began learning other musical instruments. His love of music was also shared with his love for musical theatre.

Richard (Mr. Schoeler) was the high school band director in Worland for many years. He touched many people's lives, both young and old, as he dedicated his life to teaching and creating beautiful music. Richard (Mr. Schoeler) worked tirelessly at making the Worland Senior High Band the best it could be. He also loved his involvement with the Worland Community Players and the High School Musical Theatre and was very proud of each and every production they performed.

Richard and Helen were always very active in their church, Zion Lutheran. Richard was always involved with the church choir. They both loved Zion Lutheran very much and developed many great friendships over the years dating back to 1958.

Richard and Helen both retired from teaching in 1985. This was the start of their winter visits to Mesa, AZ. Their time spent in Arizona developed many great friendships and experiences. Their love for travel took them all over the United States, but their frequent and favorite destination was always Yellowstone Park. After retirement, they took a memorable trip to Africa which was probably the highlight of their travels. They also traveled all over Europe, Mexico and Canada.

Richard's wife Helen passed away in October of 2022. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brother John and sister Marilyn. Richard is survived by his son Larry, and Larry's wife Jo Etta They live in Mesa, AZ. Richard has two surviving granddaughters, Steffany Boyd of Columbia, SC and Amanda Sanders of Cheyenne, WY. Richard also has 6 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.

As they requested, a celebration of life ceremony will be held in Worland for both Richard and Helen this summer in Worland.

Memorials may be made in their name to the Worland Senior Center.