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Cecil E. Schlagel, age 84, of Rush City, Minn., passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2005, at the St. Benedict’s Senior Community Center, in St. Cloud, Minn.

Cecil was born February 12, 1921, to Michael and Margaret Schlagel at their farm home in Howard Lake, Minn. Cecil grew up in the Howard Lake area and attended Holy Trinity School through the eighth grade.

In 1936, Cecil moved to Emerald, Wis., to work for the Interstate Lumber Company where his older brother, Bill, was manager.

In 1942, Cecil began his basic training in the Army field artillery. Then, in 1943, he transferred to an Air Force Army Air Base. Nine months later, Cecil was transferred overseas where he flew 46 combat missions in the South Pacific. In these combat missions, Cecil flew in B-25 fighter planes as a top turret gunner. In October of 1945, Cecil was honorably discharged from the United States Army Air Force.

Upon being discharged from the service, Cecil returned to Emerald, WI, to work at the Interstate Lumber Yard and then later worked at the Mahtomedi Lumber Yard.

June 18, 1947, Cecil married Lorraine Moore at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Erin Prairie, Wis. Later that year, Cecil and Lorraine moved to Harris, Minn., where he was hired as a manager for the Harris Interstate Lumber Yard. A month later, Cecil and Lorraine moved to Rush City because Cecil accepted a managerial position at the Rush City Interstate Lumber Yard.

Cecil and Lorraine were blessed with three sons: Bob, Kevin and Larry. As his sons were growing up, Cecil served on the Rush City School Board for several years. He also enjoyed watching his sons participate in high school and college athletics.

After serving as manager for 35 years at the Rush City Interstate Lumber Yard, Cecil retired in April of 1983.

Cecil was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, and the American Legion. He was also an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In addition, Cecil enjoyed fishing, golfing, going to the casino, reading, watching sports, watching his grandchildren’s activities and going for coffee.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Lorraine; sons Bob (Shari), of Rush City; Kevin (Pam), of St. Cloud; and Larry (Lori), of North Branch; grandchildren: Cory, Alissa, Kari, Ryan (Lindsay), Jamie, and Leah; sister, Dorothy Kritzeck, of Howard Lake; brothers: Donald (Myrtle), of Howard Lake; and Alden (Betty), of Woodbury; sister-in-laws: Mary Schlagel, of Eagan, and Margaret (Tom) Stephens, of New Richmond, Wis; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret Schlagel, and brothers: William and Gilbert Schlagel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Xavier Thelakkatt at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 31, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. The organist for the service was Nancy Sterk and the soloist was Paula Belland. Casket bearers were grandchildren: Cory, Alissa, Kari, Ryan, Jamie, and Leah Schlagel. Honorary casket bearers included Wes Gaustad, Jim Olson, Allan Johnson, Fred Engler, Bob Booth, Rick Drevecky, Keith Potter, and Dale Ditter. The burial was at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rush City. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service, Olson Funeral Chapel, Rush City.

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