Lyndon Schendel, 91

Lyndon Lloyd Schendel, 91, Presbyterian minister, caring dad, and avid outdoorsman, died at his residence at Waverly Gardens Presbyterian Home, North Oaks, Minnesota on July 28, 2012.

Lyndon was born in Luverne, the fifth child of the Reverend Frederick William Schendel and Lydia Lavina Bathke Schendel. He was predeceased by his wife Doris Faust Schendel and his six sisters and brothers.

Lyndon graduated from North Central College and the Methodist Seminary in Naperville, Illinois. Lyndon continued his studies in educational psychology and statistics at St. Thomas College in Minnesota. He was a Kiwanis and Rotary member and for many years served as a big brother to disadvantaged youth in his community. The Rev. Schendel was the minister of Presbyterian churches in Austin, White Bear Lake and Cloquet, Minnesota and Bay City, Michigan. His ministry focused on youth programs. Each year he took the church youth groups on camping trips, which were life-changing experiences for many of these young people.

Lyndon and Doris retired to Alexandria before moving to a retirement community at Boutwell Landing, Oak Park Heights, and finally to the memory care unit at Waverly Gardens.

Lyndon was a devoted sports fan and followed closely the athletic careers of local high school players. Lyndon himself was a superb athlete, specializing in middle distance running, once running a 4:18 mile. Lyndon never missed an opportunity to hunt or fish. He would often return with little game or fish, but rejuvenated by being out in God’s country.

Lyndon was a kind and thoughtful husband and devoted father. He and his wife were enormously proud of their four daughters, supporting their daughters’ love of swimming and skiing. A vivid family memory is the day in 1965 when he stood in line for last minute World Series tickets so his daughters could see the great Sandy Koufax pitch against the Minnesota Twins.

The family traveled extensively. The highlight of the family’s travels was an 11 week camping trip to Europe in 1966. They visited 22 countries, including venturing behind the Iron Curtain to the then Soviet Union. After retirement, Lyndon and his wife continued to travel extensively, visiting Egypt, Kenya, China, India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Thailand.

Lyndon is survived by his four daughters and four sons-in law, Charlotte and Woody Angst of Anchorage, Alaska, Judy and Charlie Williams of Lugano, Switzerland, Mary Schendel and Phil Gleason of Cumberland, Maine and Susan and Alan Reiss of Mahtomedi; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service for Lyndon Schendel will be held in the Chapel at Waverly Gardens, North Oaks, on Friday, August 3 at 11 a.m.

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