A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 2 to 6pm at the Veterans’ Hall, Co. Road 612 in Lewiston.
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Leo H. Schuster passed away March 28, 2017 after an evening out with his beloved wife, Syl.
He was loyal, most loving and dedicated to all family and friends. He spent his life educating and mentoring children, playing in the great outdoors and honoring all who served others, especially the military.
He is survived by an “aircraft carrier” full of people who loved him beyond the stars. He did it right. Be at peace – Semper Fi!
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the American Legion – Post 198 or to the Lewiston Lions Club, PO BOX 864, Lewiston MI 49756.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
59 comments on “Schuster, Leo Herbert”
My sincerest sympathies to the Schuster/Knasiak families.
Great boss. A real man who knew how to handle parents, staff, students and administrators. Education needs more like him.
Brian Kolka
Leo was a gifted athlete, an outstanding biology teacher, a fine administrator and a great friend.
Mr. Schuster has been on my brain a lot lately. Just looked for him last week. My condolences to his family. He was my Middle and High school principle. I wouldn’t be who I am with out himy being in my life. WMHS c/of 96
Sylvia, We are very sorry to hear of Leo’s passing . We will miss him dearly at St Francis church & at Michaywe golf league in Gaylord . Leo was always cheerful & made you feel good , when you were down. I am sure He will
cheer up all in heaven with his bubbly personality
God will watch over Leo & enjoy all that he is
Mike & Elisabeth Hunt
Lewiston,Mich.
Dear Sylvia and Family, Our deepest condolences to you, and your family. Our prayers will be with you in adoration today between 3-4 pm..We just spoke after years of not having contact..I became your agent with John Hancock 45 yrs ago..Leo always had a bright side of him that glowed..you both touched my heart when I started out in the business in 1969..Our lord will care for him in a very special way…God Bless..Eternal Rest grant upon him oh Lord..Dick Shavinski
I think Leo’s shoulders were so wide to make room for his giant heart. he always wanted to take a few minutes to talk and keep up on my life when I was growing up. And he always had advice that was genuine and straight from that big heart of his.
Sylvia, Erik, Kurt, and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
FOND MEMORIES OF SUCH A NICE FAMILY. OUR VERY BEST THOUGHTS, AND PRAYERS. THE MOELLER FAMILY.
Leo, it has been a great pleasure to know you as a fellow Lion and fellow Marine. All you have done in your life has been such a positive impact on all you touched. Semper Fidelis Marine and stand square at the Pearly Gates.
Leo enriched all who knew him. Despite his large, athletic physical presence, he was a warm and gentle man. He cared deeply for his family, his students and his colleagues. You were always guaranteed a good laugh if you spent any time with him. He always gave more than he got. He will be missed.
Mr. Schuster was my middle school and high school principal. I am saddened to hear that he passed away but know that he had a positive influence on thousands of students throughout his career. Including a few sessions with me to help get my priorities back in order. I thank him for his service and wish that he may rest in peace.
I’m sorry to hear the loss of a good principal good person to talk to when I was at Wayne Memorial High School class of 98
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great man and always took time to listen. Prayers to his family xo
Leo was my administrative mentor and my friend. He is one of the most memorable colleagues with whom I have ever worked. Every day with Leo was an adventure. He enjoyed life, his work, his family, and his wonderful wife. She was always there to support him and our students. Sylvia, Eric, and Kurt, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Schuster was a great principal, my memories were mostly seeing his support with the bands, in Jr High (Franklin) we learned the Marines Hymn specifically for him. My deepest sympathy to the Schuster family.
I’m so sad to hear of Mr. Schuster passing.
He was my Science teacher at JGHS in 1971. I would go in and make coffee for the science teachers everyday before class. He was a leader and mentor.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Schuster’s passing. He was a great principal at Franklin, and someone I could always talk to if I needed an ear. Condolences to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family members. Your dad was my Asst.Princple at JGHS in Westland.
My condolences to Leo’s family and many, many friends! I met Leo when I was a science teacher at Franklin and he was at JGHS. We later knew each other as administrators. Leo took over the helm when I left Franklin as the principal. It was a comfort to me to know “my” Franklin teachers and students quickly became Leo’s school family. RIP, Leo. You were a good man who always gave of yourself.
I remember in 10th grade biology class my friends and I thought he looked like Paul Newman we found a poster of Paul and hung it on the chalkboard or course he knew who did it . He was one of my favorite teachers
Leo will be missed. He was instrumental in making Wayne-Westland Schools one of the best in Michigan. He was kind, considerate & cared deeply for students needs. May God richly bless & keep the family. May He bring peace & comfort in this time of need.
Deepest condolences and sympathies to the Schuster family. He was a very inspiring and dynamic teacher. I had him my Sr. year. I learned how to say sphygmomanometer and lots more. My Botany degree from MSU was inspired by the faculty at JGHS. Prayers and wonderful memories for your family.
Mr Schuster was my principal at Franklin Junior High School in Wayne from 1987 – 1990 and although I was only in his office once that was more than enough for me to prove that I wasn’t a trouble maker. My heart goes out to his family and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Leo’s energy, wit, sincerity, interest, and humor filled every room he ever graced. I’ll never forget the repartee he shared with Pete Petoskey testing each other’s knowledge of the various birds’ scientific classification. Leo always had a topper frequently informing TLPOA meetings of bird mating habits. Leo will continue to stand as one of Lewiston’s larger than life Paul Bunyan figures. A man who gave his all to others, loved his entire family and country deeply, and tried his best to improve this world. Thanks Leo! To lovely Sylvia may you continue to smile and laugh and grace us all as you do each day! Cecilia and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I’m so sad to hear of Mr. Schuster’s passing. He was my principal in Junior High School. I was heading in a very wrong direction when he stepped in and changed my life. During a time when I had no support system at home, at least I had someone at school. I will forever be grateful. Thank you for the inspiration and the love.
My Condolences to Mr. Schusters family and friends. My grandma Sue Weaver knew him and he was my principal at Wayne Memorial High school when I was in 9th grade. He and other teachers/staff at school made it easier to not be so nervous going into high school. He will be missed greatly.
Condolences to the Schuster Family. Mr. Schuster was a great man, he was our Principle from 7th grade through graduation. I think it speaks volumes that when he moved to Wayne Memorial, half of the Franklin JR staff moved with him, to continue working for him. He was a father figure to those of us that needed it. He could be tough sometimes, but he was always fair. Mr. Schuster will be missed.
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Schuster he was a very great stand up guy you could always talk to him about any problems you may have he was my principles at Franklin Jr high and Wayne Memorial. May he rest in peace
Mr. Shuster was my principal in Jr High and most of High School. He was a caring, understanding man who helped set me on a better path in life when I took a wrong turn. He was always available to his students when they needed him. I tell stories to my kids all the time that involved him. My deepest condolences to his family, he was a great man and will be deeply missed.
I was saddened to hear of Leo’s sudden passing. I have very fond memories of Leo during the times of snow skiing at Sheridan Valley or going over to their A-Frame cabin when they were ‘UP’ and we were over at the Stevensons’. I also remember ‘hitching’ a ride to Lewiston, once, while attending college in Detroit. I will never forget his laugh…and sometimes, I hear it in Eric and Kurt. Leo will be missed by many.
Sending prayers of comfort to Sylvia, Eric, Kurt and your families during this time. God Bless!
Leo was my principal when I taught at Franklin, where he always put the needs of the students and the staff first. He was also my friend. I’d like to think he and Neil are together now, sitting on the dock enjoying the sunset while sharing a cocktail and remembering their time working together and laughing. Rest In Peace, Leo. You were one of a kind.
My deepest condolences, Mr.Schuster was a great princpal he came to Wayne Memorial with my class 1998 from Franklin Junior High and retired with our class to when we graduated in 1998. Will be forever remembered.
Mr. Leo Schuster was a cool principal he came to Wayne Memorial with the Class of 1998 Franklin Jr High and he retired when our class was leaving the school ….I just want to give a c/o 98 Class Salute and Farewell to a great cool man ???
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Schuster’s passing. He was an amazing principal who loved all of his “kids” as he called us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time…. Class of 98
Sylvia, we are so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. We certainly enjoyed his friendship over the years, and will truly miss him. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Sylvia and the entire family. Leo was an outstanding family man and educator. He was always willing to offer a helping hand. A man of honor and a true patriot that will be deeply missed.
Dr. Greg Baracy,
Retired Superintendent,
Wayne Westland Community Schools
I am so sorry to hear of Grandpa Schu’s passing. He would come into Rainbow Plaque and get tags for each grandchild’s gift he had made. I will miss his bubbly personality and the twinkle in his eyes when he would mention his grandchildren.
Having known Leo since HFCC, I have many good memories of a great guy. His family home in Lewiston was very close to our cottages in Comins. Many fond memories.
Our most sincere condolences to you, Sylvia and your family. We have enjoyed Leo’s friendship through the Lions organization, golfing and being a part of our church family. We will miss his wit and love of life. His depiction of the double breasted suit in the Lioness fashion show will always bring a smile. May God bless and help you find healing. Semper Fi Leo.
Leo and I became fast friends in Sept. 1984 as assistant principals at John Glenn HS. in Westland,MI.He helped me “adopted” me to a new job. I shall always remember our love of the woods,and our turkey hunting together. I feel privileged to have known him and have his friendship.Sylvia and family, we have lost a GREAT ONE!
There’s a mighty big hole left in the world where Leo dwelt. I honestly thought he would always be around, just being Leo, always positive, interested, caring about people. I look forward to seeing him again, and will miss him until then.
I will miss Leo. I had the privilege of being a Science teacher with Leo, a Coach, a fellow Administrator and an OFGFCMCS(Official Fish Game and Foolishness Club Marching and Chowder Society) brother. He helped mentor me when I started as a Biology teacher at John Glenn. He welcomed me into the Science department at Glenn and helped show me the ropes. Later we were assistant principals together at Wayne Memorial High School. Leo helped many a student of Wayne-Westland with their appointment to a Service Academy through his many Armed Service connections. He was a great patriot and a champion of the students of Wayne-Westland. I and many of my compatriots will miss him. Hopefully Silvia and their sons will find solace in the memories they have. Bless you Leo, I will miss you.
William E Camp
An amazing man and leader. As my principal at Franklin Junior High in Wayne, he was such a great mentor and role model. I could walk into the office and have conversation that would always turn into a learning session. He was the gentle giant. One outstanding memory was in 9th grade he took our basketball team to the Pistons game at the Palace. Before the game, he invited then whole team back to his home in Novi and we had dinner. The only principle I know that invited one of his school athletic team into their home for dinner. Mr. Leo Schuster, great man, leader and role model.
Mr. Shuster was one of my most favorite teachers at John Glenn. He had a great sense of humor!
So sorry to hear this.
He was a Great Teacher, a Great Leader and a Great Coach.
He was always there to lend an encouraging word to anyone who was needing one.
The World has lost another Great Leader.
RIP Coach and Thank You for all you did for me.
Mike Borders JGHS Class of 1972
Leo was truly a pillar of Lewiston’s society. His wit will be difficult if not impossible to replace. His comment at a local function concerning Lewiston being his origin of conception will forever be etched in the minds of his admirers. He will be missed by all. Our
sympathy to Sylvia and family.
Sorry to hear and our thoughts & prayers to the family. Kurt & Eric – the Rinke Boys are thinking of you guys!!! Semper Fi Leo…
My sincere condolences to you, Sylvia, and your family. I so enjoyed Leo’s smiling face every time he came in to the Library. I especially loved searching and finding books for him. (Retired Librarian, Lewiston Public Library)
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Sylvia and the rest of Leo’s family. Leo was a good friend and we will miss him.
Leo Schuster was my Assistant Principal at John Glenn High School for 1976-1979 he was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. RIP Mr Schuster we your pupils will miss you very much.
Dear Sylvia and Family, Our deepest condolences to you, and your family. Our prayers will be with you in adoration today between 3-4 pm..We just spoke after years of not having contact..I became your agent with John Hancock 45 yrs ago..Leo always had a bright side of him that glowed..you both touched my heart when I started out in the business in 1969..Our lord will care for him in a very special way…God Bless..Eternal Rest grant upon him oh Lord..Dick Shavinski
I think Leo’s shoulders were so wide to make room for his giant heart. he always wanted to take a few minutes to talk and keep up on my life when I was growing up. And he always had advice that was genuine and straight from that big heart of his.
Sylvia, Erik, Kurt, and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Schuster was a great principal, my memories were mostly seeing his support with the bands, in Jr High (Franklin) we learned the Marines Hymn specifically for him. My deepest sympathy to the Schuster family.
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Schuster he was a very great stand up guy you could always talk to him about any problems you may have he was my principles at Franklin Jr high and Wayne Memorial. May he rest in peace
I was saddened to hear of Leo’s sudden passing. I have very fond memories of Leo during the times of snow skiing at Sheridan Valley or going over to their A-Frame cabin when they were ‘UP’ and we were over at the Stevensons’. I also remember ‘hitching’ a ride to Lewiston, once, while attending college in Detroit. I will never forget his laugh…and sometimes, I hear it in Eric and Kurt. Leo will be missed by many.
Sending prayers of comfort to Sylvia, Eric, Kurt and your families during this time. God Bless!
Leo was truly a pillar of Lewiston’s society. His wit will be difficult if not impossible to replace. His comment at a local function concerning Lewiston being his origin of conception will forever be etched in the minds of his admirers. He will be missed by all. Our
sympathy to Sylvia and family.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Sylvia and the rest of Leo’s family. Leo was a good friend and we will miss him.
Sylvia, my ol’ and dear friend, I just saw today that you lost your dear Leo. I am so sorry. You have long been in my thoughts, and now, in my prayers, and your family also. Blessings to all. Love, Elaine Pilarowski Wois
Dear Sylvia, I was having thoughts of both of you and found the obituary for Leo. We both have had a great loss in our lives. I lost Curt and Heidi. Would love to talk with you. My heart is with you Sylvia, Kurt and Erik.