Arthur Schirmer Obituary

Arthur Henry Schirmer Jr. passed away suddenly from a stroke on Nov. 3, 2014, at the age of 76. He was born in Wisner, Neb., to Arthur and Marguerite Schirmer, now passed. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty; and their daughter, Candace Davis (Dave); by his brother, Rolland (Dianne); sister, Marlyn Neketin (Robert); three grandchildren, Gage, David and Chandra; nieces, Theresa and Heather and families; nephews, Toni and Doug and their families; sister-in-law, Sue Miller and Joey Gray; aunt, Midge; and cousin, Jane; and aunt, Evelyn Peterson. He is preceded in death by three of his daughters, Celena, Velvet and Chandra. Early in life, the family moved to Junction City, Ore. There he excelled in football, basketball and baseball for the Junction City Tigers. His talent as a pitcher led him to play with The Modesto Reds, a rookie league team for the Yankees, the Eugene Emeralds and the Edmonton Eskimos. When he joined the Army he continued to play for the 6th Artillery Group. After he was honorably discharged, he was signed with the Boston Red Sox until he had a career ending injury. When he married he looked to Alaska for opportunity. He became a fireman/paramedic in Juneau, Alaska. When the construction boom started he joined the Laborer's Union. His almost 30 years with Local 341 included being a general foreman, job steward and was elected Sergeant of Arms for the Local. He had been living in El Cajon, Calif., for the last 20 years and enjoyed working with all his friends at Budget. Baseball remained a passion for him and he liked watching the Padres play. He loved his family and cared greatly for all of his many friends. He is loved and deeply missed. Donations in his name can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Alaska State Zoo.