Gretchen, 69 passed away at her Olympia home on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 after a five year battle with cancer. She was born December 10, 1939 in Bismark, North Dakota to Fred and Rose (Gaulker) Schaner. She grew up in North Dakota. On September 1, 1962 she married Robert Mischel , they moved to Olympia in 1966. Gretchen and Robert raised four children, Mark, Marcia, Laurie and Robin. She worked for the Washington State Department of Licensing for 30 years before retiring. She enjoyed flowers especially dahlias, bowling, sports the mariners and spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Surviving are her husband Robert, son Mark, daughter and sons-in-law, Marcia (Steve) Wendling, Laurie(Quentin) Boatright, Robin (Tim) Hammill, Brother Larry Schaner, Sister, Rita Bloom, grandchildren, Brooke and Brittany Mischel, Ryan and Rachel Wendling, Lesa Boartright, Natalie and Emily Hammill. A Rosary will begin Friday, November 20, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. with a Memorial Mass following Friday, November 20, 2009 1:00 p.m. , St. Michael’s Westside Catholic Church, Celebrations services will begin, Saturday, November 22, 2009 11:00 a.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral home.
