Schukar, Wendell E. 'Louie'

Wendell E. “Louie” Schukar, 91, of Iowa City, died Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the Iowa City Care & Rehabilitation Center.

Louie's family includes his wife of 63 years, Betty (Johansen); daughter, Barbara (John) Dorsam of Iowa City; sons, Gary Schukar (Nancy Fugina) of St. Paul, Minn., Randy Schukar (Karen Lemke) of Steven's Point, Wis., and Murray Schukar (Joan McGrath) of Madison, Wis.; grandchildren, Aimee (Tony) Carver and Wes (Amy) Dorsam of North Liberty, Danika and Tad Schukar of St. Paul, Minn., and Kira Schukar of Madison, Wis.; and great-granddaughter, Kailee Carver.

Louie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, a member of the 113th Calvary and veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. After his discharge in 1945, he moved to Durant, Iowa, where he worked alongside his brother, Arnold, at Schukar Motors. They later built, owned and operated Idle Hour Lanes in Durant. Betty and Louie were married in 1947. In 1957, Betty and Louie moved to Iowa City, where he worked as a mechanic for Procter & Gamble for 25 years, retiring in 1981. After his retirement, the couple spent every winter in Mission, Texas, until 2004.

He was a cunning prankster, a knowledgeable sports enthusiast, a loyal and dedicated fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and a man who could build or fix anything. His family, friends and caregivers will miss him.

Following Louie's wishes, his body was deeded to the University of Iowa. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later time.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Louie's family and his arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to his family through the web at