Endearing Memories of Dad

I am lucky to have been a child of my Dad. He and my Mom provided so much stability, having bought one house when I was five, where my Mom still lives. He loved using his skills and creativity to build things. He designed and built an addition to the house while I was growing up and remodeled it later with heated floors after the children had left. He was proud of his work and often remarked, “I do nice work,” as he built the cabinets, fireplace, and other finishing of the addition.  He also took restorative naps in the afternoon, often coming in from his work in the garage and then returning to it.

My Dad drove the family to South Dakota every summer to visit our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those were our vacations and we loved them! Those trips fostered our connections to our extended family.  My parents would also drive to the weddings of their nieces and nephews and travel to the funerals of their family members. Those things were important.

My parents were very careful with money. My Mom would record the daily expenses in a monthly ledger and a couple times I remember them balancing the records together at the end of the month. Money was tight with five children, but my Dad wanted to take out a $5,000 loan to start an addition to the house. He had to convince Mom that it would be alright.  Mom would read the grocery ads, plan meals, and make a grocery list. Then Dad would take the list on Saturday mornings and buy the groceries.  He would bring home a bag of hard butterscotch candies as a treat.

As I entered high school, I could sense the financial pressure my Dad felt about putting us through college. He went to college and he wanted to provide the same opportunity to us. He started investing money in silver futures in the commodities market. Mom was uneasy about this approach and there was tension at the dinner table. After some weeks of this, I think I asked if they could not talk about that at dinner. In senior year, I applied to Purdue and Washington University of St. Louis. I had been to Purdue for a week-long program in the summer before senior year, but I had not been to Washington University. He bought a $62 airplane ticket for me to visit Washington University after my first semester finals. It was my first airplane flight. I enjoyed my visit and wanted to go there. It cost more than Purdue and I remember my Dad considering whether he could afford it. I considered doing the ROTC program to get financial support and went to the Army National Guard office after my library job one evening.  I got back later than usual and my parents asked where I had been. I told them and at the next dinner meal my Dad said I could go to Washington University. It was a big commitment. In his last few weeks, I told him I was grateful that he was my Dad. He responded with “Well I put you through school” – confirming that this had been a big commitment. 

However, he did more than put me through school. He transmitted his values by what he did and by the few things he said. He did not keep or use firearms and did not have weapons. He winced at violence or did not make a big deal out of his naval service. One of the few times he told me his values was with a story of two men from the church coming to visit and asking him to pledge 10% of his income to the church. He told of how they convinced him, and that he has honored it ever since. He felt that commitment was very important. He also lived simply and worked hard. Some years he would give bonuses to his employees but not to himself. 

In 2013, I wrote him on Father’s Day:

Hi Dad,
I have been thinking about you and hope you are enjoying this Father’s Day.  You sure have taught us through example about the values of planning, working, building, saving, investing, taking risks, spending wisely, living simply, maintaining a routine, taking restorative naps, gardening, helping neighbors, and visiting your family members.  I am grateful for all you have given me!
With love,
Carol

He responded the next morning:

Thank you, Carol,
I am not accustomed to receiving so many nice things said about me.
I don’t know how to respond. But really, I grew up in a much different world than today.
I was taught to work and live within your means. I think it is just that simple.
Have a nice day,
Dad

My Dad worked into his 80’s like many of his brothers and sisters before him. I was proud of him and would tell my friends, “The Schatz’s never retire… they just slow down.”

Ben was a mentor to me as I started Blackhawk Technology Company many years ago. He helped me design the first working model of the piston pump and encouraged me to continue developing it and establish a company. Ben was patient, a good judge of character, and honest as the day was long. God bless Ben Schatz. Mark Bertane

Ben and I at Trade Show , 2016, San Francisco.  Had dinner at the bar and talked to so many people. We truly enjoyed ourselves and Ben was a hit with everyone. Ben was one of the most kindest, generous  individuals I have ever met and he will be missed.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Benjamin P. Schatz

31 mars 1931 – 1 août 2025

Oehler Funeral Home

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