In Memory (Fire Company)

Baumgarten, Ronald P.
“Baumy”
Ron died on October 17th, 2001 from apparent heart failure. He was an Honorary Member of the Company. Ron was a great friend of the Company and a constant contributor during times of need. He was 68 years old.
Blood, Harlan no details available
Calmes, Herman no details available
Cleland, Ralph no details available
Coons, Merwyn S. no details available
Donnelly, George D. Sr. no details available
Donnelly, George D. Jr. George died on October 16th, 1997. He was an Active Member of the Company for over 40 years. For many years, George was the heart and soul of the Company, and he will be missed. He was 65 years old.
Donnelly, Howard D. no details available
Drosendahl, Kenneth F. no details available
   
Farrington, Joseph J. Sr. no details available
Florkowski, Henry R.
“Hank”
The Wales Center Volunteer Fire Company sadly announces the passing of Life Member Henry R. Florkowski. Joining the fire company in December of 1977, Henry was active in both the firematic and administrative sides of the Company, serving as both a fire officer, and as our treasurer – a position that he held for over twenty years. But, even when the will is strong, the body weakens, and can only fight so long. Today, June 24, 2006, Henry’s battle ended – and so did his suffering. We know that he will always be looking over us, and protecting us. We will always remember him as our fellow firefighter and our friend.
Gardner, Dean no details available
Hauber, Henry R. Hank died on March 21st, 2007. He was an Active Life Member and served as a fire police officer for all of his years, including several as Fire Police Captain.
Hausauer, Frank M.
“Buddy”
Buddy, the 1st Assistant Chief, died on July 1st, 1989 while fighting a garage fire on Big Tree Rd. At the time of his death, he was the only firefighter in the history of the Company to die in the line of duty. He was 32 years old.
Hausauer, Harris “John” He was a Charter member of the Company and an Assistant Chief and Chief in mid 1940s and early 1950s. He was Chief when old open top Ford was housed in the cheese factory and when 1949 Chevy John Bean was purchased, also when the used Dodge Tanker was bought. I believe he was Chief ’till Tom Hausauer took office in mid 1950s. Harris J. passed away in Oct of 1973.
Hausauer, Herbert no details available
Hausauer, Thomas Tom joined the fire company when he returned to Wales Center from serving in the Navy. He became the fire chief in the mid 1950 upon his Uncle John’s retirement from this position. He worked tirelessly into the middle 1970’s when cancer forced him to give up this position and his son “Buddy” took over a leadership role. Tom passed away September 30th, 1978.
Hinterberger, Clayton R. no details available
Hochadel, Robert T. Bob died on April 10th, 2001 from heart failure. He was a Life Member and Past President of the Company. Although Bob was not able to be around or involved since he developed medical problems, he was instrumental in the formation and success of Bingo in the 1980’s. He was 73 years old.
Hoffower, Elbert no details available
Hunt, Theodore R. no details available
   
Jankowski, Raymond Ray died on March 25th, 2008. He was a Charter Member of the Company, and a Life Member. He was 86 years old, and had recently been recognized for over 50 years of service to the Fire Company.
Keem, Adrian Adrian died on October 3rd, 2001, from complications of colon cancer. He was a Charter Member of the Company, and a Life Member. He was 67 years old.
Keem, Albert no details available
Kelver, Leland no details available
Kelver, Stuart no details available
Kelver, Terry A. Terry died on June 10th, 2005, after a long night of weather-related calls. He held numerous elected and appointed offices throughout his career, and was the Vice President and Rescue 7 Lieutenant at the time of his death. A Life Member, Terry had just recently celebrated his 48th birthday.
Logan, Charles W. no details available
Luderman, Edward G. Jr. no details available
McGiveron, Frederick
“Bud”
no details available
McQuay, Howard M. no details available
Minton, Donald no details available
Newell, Donald no details available
Offhaus, Harlan W. no details available
Orr, Philip J. no details available
Patterson, David no details available
Potter, Reed U. no details available
Putney, John F. no details available
   
   
Schloss, Francis P.
“Butch”
no details available
Schurr, Linda S. The Wales Center Volunteer Fire Company sadly announces the passing of Past Chief Linda S. Schurr. Joining the fire company in 1980, Linda quickly became everyone’s friend and comrade. She excelled equally in EMS and firematics, rising through the ranks to eventually become the first female chief in the history of the fire company – and the first in Erie County.

Although she was consistently a top responder at the fire company, Linda was always able to keep her personal life in perspective. Linda blessed the lives of all that knew her – especially her families. Shortly after her first husband, George Donnelly Jr., passed away, Linda was diagnosed with cancer. She found strength and love with her current husband, Gary Schurr. Together, they quietly lived life to the fullest – enjoying every moment. When times were good, they enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking.

But, even when the will is strong, the body weakens, and can only fight so long. Today, June 15, 2004, Linda’s battle ended – and so did her suffering. We know that she will always be looking over us, and protecting us. We will always remember her as our fellow firefighter and our friend.

Snyder, LaVern C. no details available
Stephen, Charles B.
“Charlie”
The Wales Center Volunteer Fire Company sadly announces the passing of Life Member Charles B. Stephen. Charlie was very involved as a fire police officer, and responded to many calls over the years. Recently, failing health forced him to step aside from active duty. On Sunday, February 17th, 2008, Charlie’s battle with cancer ended, as did his suffering. We know that he will always be looking over us, and protecting us. We will always remember him as our fellow firefighter and our friend.
Taber, LeRoy F. It is with great sadness that the Wales Center Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of Chief LeRoy Taber on January 26, 2004. Chief Taber began with the Company many, many years ago, and rose through the ranks to the office of Fire Chief, where he served in that capacity from 1971 to 1977.

An active member throughout his career, illness set in several years ago and forced him to discontinue his daily involvement. As his physical condition worsened, he still watched over the men and women of the fire company from his bed – listening to each call over his scanner, and offering insight whenever a Member visited, which unfortunately was not very often.

LeRoy was a father, a brother, a son, a mentor and a friend. We will miss him dearly, and remember him always. Rest In Peace, Chief.

Tomlinson, Frank no details available
Tomlinson, Howard no details available
Tomlinson, Willard no details available
   
Van Sickle, Martin T. no details available
Wheeler, Alfred D. no details available
Williams, Laura details pending
   
   
Zee, Emery P. no details available
Zoltak, Donald P. no details available