Marty Schuessler

H. "Marty" Schuessler, 73, of Jackson died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at his home.

On the 12th day of November 1946, Victor G. and Josephine I. Frank Schuessler of Cape Girardeau were blessed with their first-born son, Henry Martin "Marty" Schuessler. He was brought to the Lord in baptism and renewed his baptismal covenant with the Triune God through the Rite of Confirmation at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. Marty had two siblings: Ruth Anna (Larry) Burroughs of Frohna, Missouri, and Charles "Chuck" (Mary) Schuessler of Sedgewickville, Missouri, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

On Feb. 18, 1967, Marty married the love of his life, Sharon F. Petzoldt. God blessed their marriage with two beautiful children, Julie F. (Andrew) Peralta of Orlando, Florida, and Chad M. (Ashley Beltz) Schuessler of Jackson. They were also blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Wyatt Lucas and Stella Marie Schuessler. Marty loved attending any event that involved his grand-babies, in addition to teaching Wyatt skills for becoming a fine young man.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents.

He graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School as well as David Rankin Trade School in St. Louis before going to work at Heuer Sons Implement in Cape Girardeau. In 1967 he enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and worked Civil Service, where he proudly served for nine years. He and Sharon then opened Marty's Blacksmith Garage Inc., serving their community for over 25 years before going to work at Altenburg Hardwood Lumber Co. for 12 years.

He was the Region E & C coordinator with the University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training, where he received several awards over the years, including their first "Instructor of the Year" and the "Fire Ball" award. It was so important to Marty that he taught individuals how to protect themselves and their fellow firefighters. Every one of his students could see and feel the love he had for the fire service through the structural fire, auto, farm vehicle, grain bin and large vehicle rescue classes that he taught.

Marty was involved in his church, serving on the church council as president and treasurer over the years in addition to various committees. He and Sharon were also youth counselors for eight years, where they had the great opportunity in 1976 to experience the last ALL Lutheran Youth Convention with 60 of their youth in New Orleans.

Marty also felt the ever-growing need for a fire department in their community. So Marty, along with other individuals in the community, organized the Fruitland Area Fire Protection District in 1977. He served as the district's fire chief for over 25 years, as well as firefighter and fire board member for 12 more years. He also worked with his wife, Sharon, to form the Fire Auxiliary to help provide water and food for large events and incidents along with recruiting donations from the community to cover necessary purchases before the department became tax supported. Marty later helped organize the Cape County Firefighters Association and served as its first president.

Marty enjoyed time fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors with his family, along with getting in the camper to travel with Sharon and their friends.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday and from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Marty's daughter, Deacon Julie F. Schuessler Peralta, and the Rev. Jerry Bailey will officiate the funeral at 11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Interment with a fireman's honor guard and full military rites will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Pocahontas.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial contributions to the SEMO District Mission Team, 8747 U.S. 61, Jackson, MO 63755, or the Firefighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri, 5461 N. Autumn Drive, Columbia, MO 65202.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Marty's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.