Herschel Clifford Scheidt

Herschel Clifford Scheidt was called to his eternal home on February 19, 2024, at the age of 102 in the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Atlanta, Georgia. Herschel was born in Columbus, Indiana, on April 22, 1921. He is survived by his son, Dennis, and daughter-in-law, Monica, 11 adult grandchildren (Eric, Derek, Zachary, Amanda, Nathan, Katherine, Adam, Dennis Junior, Isaac, Diana, and Josephine), 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. His beloved wife of 71 years, Imogene (Forster) preceded him in death along with a daughter, Nancy, and his parents Clifford and Flora (Schulz) Scheidt. Herschel is also survived by many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins in the surrounding area of Columbus and beyond. A native of the area and a lifetime member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church “Clifty”, Herschel attended grammar school in Elizabethtown and Columbus High School. He grew up on the farm helping his dad provide for the family and worked as a water boy driving the horse and buggy to neighboring men working the threshing run. He was a master storyteller. Although the farming days were long and work was hard, the light-hearted remembrances and the narratives of that bygone era were passed on (and embellished) by Herschel over the years, creating a cherished legacy for the family. After high school, Herschel attended welding school and was thereafter employed by Arvins as a tool and die maker, making war munitions before being drafted into the Army. He and Imogene married on February 6, 1943, and 8 days later he was on a troop train headed for boot camp at Fort Lewis in Washington. He was in the 44th Division and his service in World War II took him through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and eventually to England and Scotland where the troops boarded the Queen Elizabeth to return home after the war. Herschel worked at Arvins for 37 years and built a home on Coovert Street where he and Imogene reared their family. He was an avid gardener. It was his joy to share bumper crops of zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, strawberries, and rhubarb with friends and neighbors near and far, often toting a motor home full of produce across state lines to the family in Georgia. He, Imogene, and Nancy traveled extensively throughout the United States enjoying vacations in their motor home. After retirement, because he’d always loved driving, Herschel drove visiting Cummins executives to events, senior citizens for outings, and rental vehicles to various destinations. He made deliveries for a florist, and an office supply business, and delivered innumerable dozens of Saps donuts to grandchildren in Georgia. He remained a fan of Indiana basketball and Memorial Day found him always watching the Indy 500. In 2007, Herschel and Imogene pulled up stakes in Columbus where they had both lived all their lives, and moved to Georgia to be closer to their son, much to the delight of the family. There, they were able to enjoy the grandchildren’s athletic events, graduations, weddings, and many family celebrations. Herschel was accompanied by his grandson, also a veteran, on an Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was also introduced as the oldest WWII veteran at an Atlanta Hawks basketball game honoring our armed forces. A highlight for Herschel was returning to his Indiana roots for his 100th birthday which included a family reunion. Always a people person, Herschel was known & loved in his community and local church body at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, Georgia. With Herschel, known to many as “Granpa”, one could always expect to be greeted with a ready smile, light-hearted teasing, a positive attitude, and a spirit of gratitude. Even after his stroke in December of 2023, with a diminishing capacity for doing life, his signature response to family, visitors, and caregivers was always “Thank you”. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praises to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15-16 A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, Indiana on Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Private interment and military honors will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery. Those wishing may make a memorial donation to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Columbus, Indiana, or Living Faith Lutheran Church, Cumming, Georgia, through the funeral home. Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. You’re invited to leave a message of condolence to the family or light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.