Weldon B. Scheel

Weldon B. (Dutch) Scheel passed away on January 1, 2006 at the age of 94. He was born September 4, 1911, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Scheel in Lockhart, Texas. Weldon started piano lessons under one of the sisters at St. Mary’s Catholic School during his first 3 years of school. He played bass in the Boy Scout Band (before there was band in the public schools). He was a graduate of the Journalism school at the University of Texas at Austin. He played Bass in the University of Texas Longhorn Band. He became involved in Dance Band groups. He played with Bill Faris’ group the “Lone Star Five” (all eight of em). He had the Dutch Scheel “All University Band” while at the University of Texas. He played with Woody Parker, Von Kirkpatrick, Ben Young, the Reception Center Orchestra at Ft. Sam Houston during WWII and later the Herb Fields Orchestra in Austin. He went to Chicago in the late 30’s to Sherwood Music School (now Sherwood Conservatory of Music) to attend certain band classes. There he met Marie Saviniemi, a native of Hancock, MI, a voice major and instructor and they were married in La Grange, Illinois on August 31, 1940. They moved to Texas where he became band director in Nixon, Texas and then on to Carrizo Springs until WWII. He spent 3 ½ years in the Army with 10 months in India. After the war they returned to Austin where he became a member of the AISD band program for 29 years. After his retirement he joined the group “The Silver Strings” playing piano. He also had his trio called “Old Tunes Connection”. After 12 years of volunteer programs for residents of nursing homes, retirement homes, church groups and “Mature People”, he retired. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Scheel of Lockhart and his brother Alvin of Houston. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Marie; a nephew Bill Scheel of Sugarland; sister-in-law Jenny Scheel of Houston; brother and sister-in-law Rafael and Elvi Saviniemi of Southfield, MI and Florida; niece, Ann Saviniemi of Southfield, MI; niece and nephew John and Lois Sefcovic; great-nephews, Matthew and Ryan of Southfield, MI and countless good friends. He was a member of ARTA, the Wednesday Morning Music Club, and for many years the Congregational Church of Austin (U.C.C.). Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2006 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregational Church of Austin, 408 West 23rd, Austin, Texas 78705, Austin Retired Teachers, or to a charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook on line at wcfish.com