Ward Schanhals

Ward W. Schanhals Sr. 79, of Central Lake, died peacefully in his sleep, Tues. Oct. 13, 2015 at home. He was born Jan. 18, 1936, in Saginaw, the son of William and Carmen (Schlichter) Schanhals. He played basketball at Saginaw Arthur Hill and went on to play football and basketball at Central Michigan University. Ward was a teacher by trade, teaching in Bellaire, Beaverton, and Central Lake from 1960 to 1973. He was a coach by heart, coaching football, basketball, and baseball. He continued coaching for years after his classroom teaching days were over. His legacy left on the field will be remembered for years to come. To quote Ward "Some of the happiest moments of my life were when on the field". An active member of the Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church, Ward served as a deacon, trustee, and Sunday School teacher. Ward's greatest love was spending time with his family. He owned and operated Lakeshire Sport Shop and Marina in Central Lake for 7 years. He loved the great outdoors especially hunting, fishing, and wood carving. He was a sports enthusiast and spent years traveling northern Michigan watching his children and grandchildren play their respective sports. On Aug. 2, 1958, in Gladwin, he married Norma Lyons, who survives. Also surviving are his children Cheri (Daryl) Shooks of Central Lake, Carol (Tim) Webster of Atlanta, GA, Ward (Carrie) Schanhals of Central Lake; grandchildren Greg (Jenny) Shooks of Central Lake, Rob (Mishelle) Shooks of Central Lake, Brian and Kevin Webster of Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren Claire, Alison, Lauren, Jordan, Drew; brothers Tom Schanhals of Harrison, and Jerry (Terri) Schanhals of Anchorage, AK.; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother Curt Schanhals. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 18, at 2 p.m. at the Central Lake High School Gymnasium with Pastor Brian Yost and Pastor Dave Scott officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 17, from 4 to 8 pm at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial donations can be made to the Central Lake Athletic Department for new Scoreboards in the gymnasium or Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.