Leonard “Len” Schaal of Eureka, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours at Timber Ridge Assisted Living Facility, where he resided for the last three years. He was 85 years of age. He had a long good life.

Leonard is survived by his son, Mark Schaal, daughter, Karen Schaal, daughter-in-law, Sheri Schaal, grandson Max Schaal, sisters Esther Smith and Leah Walker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Len was predeceased by his wife Audrey “Jean” Schaal, siblings John “Jim” Schaal, Art Schaal, Louie Schaal and Violet Vollmer.

Born in Bethune, Colo. to John & Mary Schaal, Len’s family moved to Wapato, Wash., where he was raised with his six siblings. Upon graduation from high school, Len joined the Air Force, serving time in England, where he met his wife, Jean. Len and Jean returned to Wapato after his discharge from the Air Force for a short time until they relocated to Eureka in 1959.

For over 40 years Len worked for the County of Humboldt as an Auditor-Appraiser. While working for the county, Len continued his military service with the National Guard Reserve & Humboldt Bay Coast Guard Station. He obtained his BA in Business Administration from HSU. After his retirement from the county in 1999, Len volunteered for several years at the Eureka Senior Resource Center and helped many people with their tax preparation.

Len enjoyed watching football & fishing with his son and hiking with his daughter at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park & Avenue of the Giants. You could often see him riding his bike to work or walking with friends/family. Len was a master tinkerer who never met a lawn mower he couldn’t fix. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors. Other interests included gardening, cribbage, a good card game and smoking a cigar or pipe while working in the garage. Len had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He touched many lives and will be missed.

We would like to thank the staff of Timber Ridge in Eureka and Hospice for the care of our father. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com.

A small informal gathering will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 26th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 4519 Campton Rd, Eureka. Please feel free to stop by to share your memories of Len.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Len Schaal’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.