Fredrick Schmeeckle

Frederick Ray "Fred" Schmeeckle, 66, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 31, 2011, having been overtaken by the ill effects of a stroke sustained earlier in the month. Born in Gothenburg, Neb., on July 20, 1945, he was raised on the family farm in Cozad, Neb. As a National Merit Semi-Finalist, Fred earned a full scholarship to LSU, which he happily accepted inasmuch as it fulfilled his goal to find warmer weather. While at LSU, he earned a Ph.D. in history, discovered the joys of Southern living and eating, and met his wife, Frances Culotta Schmeeckle, who passed away in 1996. After completing his studies at LSU, Fred resided in Baton Rouge with his wife the remainder of his life, raising their two sons, Seth A. Schmeeckle and Jess J. Schmeeckle. In 1984, Fred opened Highland Shoe Repair in the Kenilworth Shopping Center, which he operated until 2009. Known to friends as Dr. Shoe, Fred was revered as a quiet man who enjoyed crossword puzzles and listening to music. However, his closest friends and family will tell you he was clever, witty, sharp and frequently provided comedic relief at social settings with his real world observations and knife-like quips. One of his favorite stories was his response to a customer's inquiry as to the level of wealth the shoe repair business provided: "My children are my jewels, and watching them succeed in life makes me rich beyond measure." His return on his life's investment increased by orders of magnitude as he welcomed daughters-in-law, Kellie Dunbar Schmeeckle, M.D., and Ayme Veron Schmeeckle, M.D., into his family and saw his legacy continue through the birth of his grandchildren, Seth Andrew Schmeeckle Jr., better known as "Andrew," and Sarah Anne Schmeeckle. Fred is also survived by his loving (and equally clever, witty and sharp) sister, Margo Lamb. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Marie Schmeeckle; sister, Vicky Skavland; and brother, Milton D. Schmeeckle. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to further the education of children from families in need to: St. Jude Church c/o Fr. Trey Nelson, 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.