In Memory
LeRoy R. "Lee" Schwepler
Jan. 3, 1934 - Apr. 17, 2016
MISHAWAKA - LeRoy R. Schwepler died on April 17, 2016, in Memorial Hospital after a short bout with pneumonia.
Lee was born in his Grandma Matilda Henselin's house in South Bend, Indiana, on January 3, 1934. He was the son of German immigrants, Adam and Martha Schwepler. They took him to the New Apostolic Church, which fostered his lifelong love for the Lord. He grew up in South Bend, and graduated from Riley High School in 1952.
He met Sandy Watts, and they married on June 30, 1956. South Bend was booming, and he had many job opportunities, but he chose Indiana Bell Telephone Company because he thought it would be around for awhile. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his phone pals and all their funny hijinks. He retired from there after more than thirty years of working as both a switchman and a lineman.
“Lee” and Sandy had two daughters, Becky (Greg) Schwepler-Wojcik of Brownsburg, Indiana, and Bonnie (Bart) Shroyer of Zionsville, Indiana. He had six grandchildren, Zach, Jake, Cooper, and Francesca Wojcik, and Abby and Katie Shroyer. His brother, Doug, (Karen) of Kansas City, also survives. Lee's lady friend, Mea, made his life fun for more than twenty-five years, savoring together nice dinners and long drives on country roads.
Lee loved to tell funny stories about his jobs as a teenage golf caddy, hamburger flipper at Mary Ann's Drive-In, and the phone company. He liked working at the drive-in for the free burgers and chocolate milkshakes!
In his younger days, Lee liked playing his accordion and guitar. Later on, he enjoyed watching TV, and reading books from the likes of Harlan Coben and Ann Rule, to WWII, cars and airplanes. He was fascinated with outer space and had a lifelong love affair with cars.
He loved old movies, especially anything Mel Brooks and his Blazing Saddles, along with old black-and-white Westerns and war movies.
He also really enjoyed eating and drinking! Applebee's was Lee and Mea's favorite place. West End Bakery was another favorite! He would call his daughters long distance to brag about how yummy his latest donut purchase was, to make them jealous!
Donations in his memory may be given to your favorite charity.
A celebration of his life is being planned for this summer. Bubb Funeral Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.
He will be greatly missed!
Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 24, 2016
08/01/2023 EJS
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