Louis Schuesler

Louis Schuesler passed away in his sleep in his beloved town of Los Gatos, after fighting several illnesses, at the age of 93.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and his daughter Karen. He and his wife were married for 70 years. He was proceeded in death by his sister Elaine and brother Ernest.

One of the things Louis was most proud of was his time in the National Guard. He was an intelligence specialist in the California Army National Guard with a Field Artillery Unit. He was an E7 Sergeant First Class with 18 years of service.

Louis went on to have a lengthy career as a carpenter. His handwork can still be seen in the area. He was involved with the installation of the MRI machine at El Camino Hospital when it was Los Gatos Community Hospital, the Chase Bank in Los Gatos, the gazebo now located off of Summit Road called the Loma Gazebo (he was the original builder when it was built at the Pruneyard) and the shorter of the tall towers at the Pruneyard.

His hobbies included beekeeping, winemaking, bottle collecting, and rock collecting. Early on, he and his wife enjoyed dancing. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Western Agricultural Society. He was one of the early presidents of the San Jose Antique Bottle Club and a longtime member of the Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society and Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society, where he served as membership co-chair and primary meeting greeter. He could aways be seen helping his daughter and her husband at gem and mineral shows by watching and walking their dogs.

His life did not start easy. His mother gave birth to him at 17, and they were evicted from their home early on by his grandfather’s new wife. He told stories of standing out on the curb with his mother and sister and their belongings when he was about eight. None of this seemed to affect him except to fuel his desire to succeed. Despite this hard start he did succeed.

Dad, you will always be with me and in my heart. I love you more than words can say and wish you well on this new journey. Thank you for everything you did for me.

Donations in Louis’ memory can be made to the Bee Conservancy, www.thebeeconservancy.org, or any charity of your choice.