Wilbur A. “Willie” Schebler, 85, of Batesville, passed away peacefully at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville on Friday, December 8, 2023, with family at his side. Willie was born April 27, 1938, the son of Millard and Stella (Nobbe) Schebler. Willie was a 1956 graduate of Batesville High School and a lifetime member of St. Louis Catholic Church.
He married Norma Kathleen (Wenning) Schebler on April 15, 1961. Together they built a fulfilled life focused on faith and family, balanced with hard work and enjoying their blessings. Willie was exceptionally known for his German ingenuity, keen problem-solving capabilities, quick wit and sense of humor. With his mind, hands, determination and attitude, he could fix just about anything.
While in high school, he began his career at Batesville Casket Company, a career that would span more than 46 years in many different capacities, starting with sweeping floors to ultimately leading teams in the manufacturing processes. In between, he was called to assist in the opening of the Manchester manufacturing site, which took the family to Tennessee for 3 years. Upon returning to Batesville, he evolved in his career to eventually directing the activities of Interior Research and Design team. His team and co-workers unofficially dubbed this space, “Willie’s Workshop.” Willie’s Workshop was a place of collaboration where new ideas became design concepts and prototypes. In total, Willie is credited with over a dozen patents in his career with Batesville. Although never receiving a college degree of his own, many engineering interns would be assigned to work with Willie so they could gain practical, real-world experience. In his professional and personal life, he was always generous, sharing his knowledge and time with those who demonstrated an interest in learning.
At home, Willie’s focus was on family, and he was always busy ‘tinkering’ with some home project. He used these projects not only for their practical purpose, but more for engaging, spending time together, teaching and sharing his knowledge. He was known for his love of cars and developed a particular interest in Corsair cars and trucks, owning and restoring several in his lifetime, with help from his son. Whether a Corvair or some other used fixer upper, his passion for classic vehicles was not always appreciated as they were ‘handed down’ to his daughters as their first cars to drive. Not always a popular solution for teenage girls and sometimes good intentions don’t always turn out so well.
When he was not outside or in the garage, his basement workshop would be where you would find him, hand crafting solutions to the whims of his family, such as entertainment centers, storage cabinets, nativity mangers, doll houses and barns for children’s toys and imaginations.
Willie and Norma tried never to miss their kids’ and grandkids’ school functions and sporting events, always being very supportive in their activities. They enjoyed camping as another way of bringing the family together and enjoying the outdoors.
Left to cherish many memories are his wife Norma of Batesville; son Tom Schebler of North Vernon, Indiana; daughters Deb (Rick) Kohrman of Greensburg, Indiana, Barbara (Scott) Carpenter of Greendale, Indiana and Beth (Bob) Preston of Batesville; grandchildren Travis Schebler, Craig Schebler, Jenna Kohrman, Jon Weber, Samantha Mains, Jay Smith, Megan Chapman, Jacob Preston and Sarah Zinser; great grandchildren Lila and Matthew Schebler, Mason Hanna, Chase Conn, Braydon and Ally Mains, Madelyn, Jackson, Brantley and Talon Weber, and Cecilia Chapman; sister Carolyn Heppner of Murrieta, California; brothers Alvin Schebler of Green Valley, Arizona, Kevin Schebler of Osgood, Indiana, and Randy Schebler of Batesville. In addition to his parents, Wilbur was preceded in death by his infant son, and his daughter, Janet Weber, as well as brothers Carl and Edgar Schebler.
Visitation is Tuesday, December 12th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 13th at St. Louis Church, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis School or the Oldenburg Academy. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.