Obituary of Gerald Joseph Schaal

Schaal, Gerald J.  

Age 96, of Maplewood, passed away September 10, 2023. Preceded in death by wife, Karen; son, Gary; parents, John & Anna (Marschall), 2 brothers, and 1 sister. 

Survived by children, Kathleen (Robin) Ostebo, Christine (Daniel) Drassal, Michael (Rose), Barbara (Bruce) Finkelson, Daniel (Mary Ann), and Jason; grandchildren, Tara, Barbara, Joseph, Mark, Cassondra, Laura, Monica, Benjamin, Amanda, Jared, Jill, Samuel, Zoe, Eric, Courtney, and 25 great grandchildren. 

Gerald attended Central High School in St. Paul. He joined the Navy in 1944, serving as a Seabee in Okinawa, Japan. After returning home, he met and married Karen Sjol in 1949. They raised 7 children together on St. Paul’s East Side. Gerald joined the St. Paul Police Force in 1955. He retired after 20 years of service in 1975. During that time Gerald worked on his days off as an electrician, eventually earning his Master Electricians License. He was also an accomplished private pilot and flew many years with the Civil Air Patrol. He and Karen moved to Pueblo West, Colorado where he worked as an electrician, enjoyed photography, woodworking, wood carving, square dancing, and motorcycle riding in the mountains. 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at St. John’s Catholic Church (380 Little Canada Rd., Little Canada) with visitation one hour prior to Mass. 

Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home in St Paul, MN.