HENRY W. SCHUETTE
December 1, 1923 ~ February 27, 2013
"Hank leaves behind an amazing legacy of generosity, kindness, business-savvy and humor."
Henry William Schuette was born Dec. 1, 1923 in Bellingham, WA, to Walter Henry and Josephine (Larson) Schuette. He was raised with three siblings, Hazel, Bob and Betty; and two half-siblings, Margaret and Gordon. Hank grew up in Bellingham, WA where he graduated from Bellingham High School in 1941.
Following high school, he worked for the Forest Service clearing trails and fighting forest fires.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was inducted into the United States Navy where he proudly served aboard the USS Pursuit, a minesweeper. For his service he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct award, American Campaign award and WWII Victory Medal.
In 1946, Hank was honorably discharged and worked as a gas station attendant until enrolling at Vanport College (now Portland State University). After the Vanport flood of 1948, he transferred to Oregon State University where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. In May of 1955 he earned his Engineering certificate from the Oregon State Board of Engineers.
After graduation, Hank took a "temporary" job with Moore Dry Kiln Co. which lasted 21 years. Ultimately he became Vice President and director of the company.
In 1971, he left Moore and began an engineering consulting practice. Later that year, Hank joined a small company, headed by Larry Wellons, Wellons Inc. As CEO, his leadership helped to advance Wellons to a complete manufacturing facility.
Hank retired in 1994, selling his share of the business. His years of work yielded many friendships as well as ownership of numerous patents.
Hank married Rose Obritkewitsch in 1946. They had two children, Walter and Nancy. Hank and Rose were divorced in 1962.
He met his life partner, Janice Jamison, and they were married on Dec. 20, 1963. They shared life, love and business together until her death on Sept. 18, 2010. During her final years, Hank was her loving and patient caregiver.
Hank will be remembered for helping many
by offering a "hand up" (never a "hand out").
He and Janice made donations to numerous organizations and campaigns, including Oregon State University, Portland State University and Seattle Children's Hospital. In 2003, Janice and Hank established the first endowed chair in the Department of Nuclear Engineering Radiation Health Physics in the College of Engineering at OSU. This endowed chair lead directly to the formation of NuScale Power, a company which is developing passive nuclear reactors.
Hank is survived by his son, Walter (Maureen); daughter, Nancy; grandchildren, Kelsey Brooks and Kevin Schuette; partner for the last two years, Erika Ketelsen; caregiver, Laura Munyan; and other friends and family members.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Fri., March 8, 2013, in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR, 97086.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Hank's name to the Seattle Children's Hospital attn: Memorials P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145 or give online at www.seattlechildrens.org.
Please sign his guest books at: www.lincolnmemorialpk.com and www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was saddened recently to learn of Henry's death in February 2013, and of Janice's death in 2010. My father, William (Bill) Brubaker, worked in sales at both Moore and Wellons for Henry. He held both Henry and Janice in very high esteem and enjoyed working with them. My father worked for Wellons for approximately 20 years. He was proud of Wellons' quality products, and he believed in what he sold. When my father died at the age of 57 in 1992, we were very touched by the outpouring of support from Henry, Janice, and the Wellons employees.
My family will always be grateful to Henry for the employment opportunities he gave my father. My father's livelihood at Wellons made many good things possible for my family, including a college education for both my sister and me.
I send my deepest condolences to Henry and Janice's family. Both Henry and Janice have touched many lives.
In Sympathy,
Betsy (Brubaker) Romeo
Betsy (Brubaker) Romeo
April 8, 2013
Hank's Leitmotive.
Pay the price, Bear any burden, meet any hardship, supporty any friend, oppose any foe in order to assure the survivial and success of liberty.
EKW
March 31, 2013
I'm so sorry to lose my Uncle Hank. He was a great person and one I was proud to be related to. We had spirited discussions about politics and life. I loved him very much.
Carol Teshera
March 9, 2013
i worked for and with henry and janice for many years at moore and wellons
what a pleasure it was to have that opportunity .
gene myers
gene myers
March 9, 2013
Hank, your smiling face will be missed at the Elks Lodge. It was a privilege to have known you. Mary Ann Leonard
March 9, 2013
Hank and Janice always made visitors feel special. We will miss them both.
Pat, Cheryl, Jillian McEnulty
March 9, 2013
We feel so fortunate to have gotten to know and enjoy this
wonderful man. Even though we had a short time together
with him at his home and Wally and Maureen's ,we so enjoyed being with him and with his family and friends.
. We will truly miss Hank.
The Jack Dobler Family - God Bless Him...
March 8, 2013
As a person who managed investments for many people over a 40 year career I especially valued the close relationships with people like Hank and Janice Schuette. Even though I retired 10 years ago I look back and remember the Schuette as one of my all time favorite clients. Their warm and honest personalities, and particularly Hank's humor were always enjoyable.
Bob Platt
March 8, 2013
My aunt and uncle were some of the finest folks I've ever known. They will be missed.
Mike Fry
March 7, 2013
So glad we were able to share a some happy times with you and your family, Hank. Fair winds and following seas.
Mike and Jan Zacher
March 7, 2013
Both Sandy and I will never forget the many happy events we shared with Hank and Janice. They were stellar people and always displayed loyalty and respect for our friendship. We will so miss them!
Ken & Sandy Mantha
March 7, 2013
Hank was always joy to talk to and a such a nice man. My father also served aboard a mine sweeper in WWII and he and I had many a long conversation about his service in the Navy. His friendship and warmth will be missed.
Curry Garvin
March 7, 2013
Hank and Janice were one of those special couples that we were most fortunate and blessed to know. They will be missed and we will never forgot all the good times we had with them.
Jim and Karen Teaford
March 6, 2013
Hank and Janice were wonderful friends and neighbors. We will miss them both, but they will never be forgotten. Mary Jane & Bob Smith
Bob & Mary Jane Smith
March 6, 2013
We were privileged to meet and visit with Hank with Jan and Ashley so we know that he was very creative and extremely generous with his family. He will be missed. May God give those of you that are grieving peace and comfort.
Dr, and Mrs. Paul Piersall Abilene, Texas
March 6, 2013
I appreciate the close friendship we enjoyed: serious comversations, lively discussions, and good laughs. Thank you for treating me as a loved family member. I always knew where I stood with you. I will miss you so very much! ...mo
maureen schuette
March 6, 2013
My sincere condolence to the loss of your loved one. Heb.2:18
March 6, 2013
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