Warren Edward Schaller, 93

Warren Edward Schaller, 93, died on Nov. 15, 2015, with his family at his bedside in Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Warren was born one of three sons to John and Maria Schaller, on March 11, 1922, in New York City.

As a young boy he enjoyed summers at the family cabin on Lake Ronkonkoma. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. His tour of duty was aboard the USS Cepheus attack cargo ship in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Serving as boatswain’s mate, he was affectionately known as “Snake” for his silence and stealth in capturing offenders headed for the brig. He also piloted Higgins boats for amphibious landings. At the conclusion of World War II, Warren learned that the USS Cepheus was “haveling to China” so he reenlisted for three more years during which time he walked on the Great Wall of China and visited many foreign lands and faraway ports. Relished stories of his joumeys were told time and time again to friends and family. He kept an impeccable scrapbook of his enlisted years, including a portion of a typhoon-soaked diary.

Upon his return to New York, Warren attended night school at the Mechanics Institute of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, graduating in April 1948. He worked in his brother, Harold’s business, Peacock Memorial Service. He met his beautiful wife, Theresa Pepin, eventually settling in Kings Park, Long Island, where their two sons and daughter were raised. Warren went to work for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation and always said he was privileged to work with others in the prestigious model-making department, building wind tunnel-tested models of aircraft and spacecraft such as the F-15 and the Apollo Lunar Module. He was a true artist in every sense as evidenced by models and carvings he created as a hobby.

An avid history buff, Warren belonged to a Revolutionary War reenactment group on Long Island. He sported period costumes and fired guns and canons as celebrated battles were staged. He and Theresa were active in community theater on Long Island, constructing sets and costumes for many productions. The camaraderie among cast and crew often extended into the wee hours of the morning at the Schaller home.

Upon retirement after 24 years with Grumman, Warren and Terry moved to Idaho to be near their son, Marc, and their two grandchildren. It was then that the history and culture of The Old West became a part of Warren’s life. He enjoyed sitting around the chuck wagon and shooting targets with his cowboy friends. Most fortunate of all, he was able through the years to take many fine hunting trips with his son and grandson. The three of them together were also well recognized at many gun shows in Idaho and surrounding states.

From gun collecting and shooting, to hunting and fishing, to boating and sailing, to carving, the talents Warren possessed were many. He truly enjoyed his life and often said in later years “I have had a good life!”

Warren was preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold and Albert; and by his son, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Terry; and his daughter, Lynnette Schaller; his son and daughter-in-law, Marc and JoAnn Schaller of Coeur d’Alene; granddaughter Jeannette Schaller of Los Angeles; grandson and wife John and Beth Schaller; and two great-granddaughters Molly and Charley Schaller of Castle Rock, Colo.; and by the many wonderful friends and neighbors of their community who made him feel so blessed.

Please visit Warren’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.