Raymond E. Schekel

Raymond E. Schekel, 94, a Fallbrook resident for 56 years, passed away December 18, 2007, at his home in Fallbrook after two years of declining health.

He was born in Olivet, SD, in 1913 and came to California during the “Dirty Thirties” when drought turned the farmlands into a giant dust bowl. Ray migrated to Southern California and worked in Murrieta as a mechanic for a friend at the Murrieta Garage. He married his wife Alpha in 1940 and built a home in Murrieta where their two daughters, Phyllis and Diane, were born.

During World War II, he joined the Air Force and served in Arizona and Germany as a mechanic. After his discharge the couple spent several years operating the Fish Camp Concession on Railroad Canyon Lake, now called Canyon Lake.

The couple purchased Fallbrook Hardware at Main and Alvarado in 1951 and were in business for 19 years before retiring. They were an asset to the community and made many friends. During the time he owned the hardware store Ray took great pride in repairing many things for their customers. He liked the challenge of fixing items if possible instead of replacing them. He was considered a “jack of all trades” and enjoyed working with his hands.

Ray was honest, gentle and a modest man who loved his family and took great pride in his daughters and grandchildren. He was an inspiration to the younger generation and highly respected by others.

He is survived by Alpha, his wife of 67 years; daughter Phyllis Minner McRae, Fallbrook; grandchildren Rebecca Welch, Phoenix, AZ, Christina Nelson, Murrieta, Jeff Minner, Coeur D’Alene, ID, Angela Bechtold, Menifee, Gary Minner, San Diego, and Robert Garcia, Phoenix; and great-grandchildren Rachel Welch, Tanner Nelson, Kyla and Morgan Bechtold and Jace and Lily Minner. He was preceded in death by daughter Diane Garcia and brothers Derold, Leonard and Lorin Schekel.

Cremation has taken place and an open house to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank Fallbrook Hospice for their care and support during Ray’s illness and ask that any memorial contributions be sent to the hospice at 624 Elder, Fallbrook, CA 92028.