Melvin Martin Schuchmann

MELVIN MARTIN SCHUCHMANN

Marshalltown

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Melvin Martin Schuchmann, 87, of Marshalltown, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.

Melvin was born April 23, 1934, in Arlington, Iowa, to parents Paul and Hilda (Schmidt) Schuchmann, and grew up in Strawberry Point. After graduating from high school in 1953, Melvin proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Education from Upper Iowa University, his Master's degree from the University of Iowa and his specialist degree from Iowa State University. Melvin was a standout left-handed pitcher in baseball, playing not only in high school but also in college and the semi-professional level. In his later years, he used those skills to coach little league for over 15 years, leading his teams to several championship games.

During his time at Upper Iowa University, he met the love of his life, a gal who happened to grow up just down the road from his family farm. He and Carole Grimm were united in marriage on May 23, 1958, in Oelwein. Melvin was a teacher at Arlington, Hopkinton and Linn-Mar schools before relocating to Marshalltown in 1968, where he dedicated the next 26 years of his career to being principal and self-proclaimed "school dentist" at Woodbury Elementary School.

Melvin was kind and gentle, yet firm – the perfect combination for an incredible father and educator. Enriching the lives of children and investing in their futures was his great passion. Upon his retirement, Melvin continued to impact the lives of children as a bus driver for 17 years, while simultaneously working for Enterprise. For several years, he and Carole moved to Solon to help their son on the farm.

In their early years, they enjoyed camping, their children's activities and Sunday afternoons playing cards at his parents' farm. He was passionate about the environment and especially enjoyed studying math and science.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Carole; his children, Kristi (Randy) Brink of Marshalltown, Kim (Scott) Lytle of Spencer, Keith (Linda) Schuchmann of Solon and Kyle Schuchmann (Sarah) of Iowa City; grandchildren, Natasha, Kalynn (Brian), Tyler, Taryn (Erin), Jaryd, Trevor, Caleb and Cole; great-granddaughters, Adalyn, Alyvia and Avery; along with several bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Ida Mae (Art) Johnson of Cedar Rapids; and sister-in-law, Marian Schuchmann of Strawberry Point.

In eternal life, Melvin is reunited with his parents, Paul and Hilda; and three brothers, Paul Jr., Irwin "Bud" and Fred Schuchmann.

Per the wishes of Melvin and his family, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Private graveside services will take place at Strawberry Point Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the combined sailors from the Navy funeral honors office and the American Legion Honor Guard of the Strawberry Point area. A family-led Celebration of Life will take place at a later date to be determined. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be used in Melvin's honor. For questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.

-Lovingly written by the family