I just learned of Coach Schmale's passing. Great coach, teacher and a truly good family man. My thoughts go out to Lynn and her family. So many memories too of the signatories above, dear childhood friend Mike Hughes, choir buddy Gene Schnuckel, and of course Bob Pozza, another great coach, teacher and mentor. Love you all. I was surprised too to learn that Vern lived in Rotonda, FL. Just a few miles from my wife Liz and me, now living in Englewood.
Our sympathies to the Schmale family.

Mr. Schmale was my one of my business teachers at Tremper (class of '67). I remember him as an excellent teacher. What a beautiful memorial page--my sympathy to your family.

Great person, teacher and coach. I learned a lot about sports and life from coach schmale. I will miss him.
Chuck Limpert, Powder Springs. GA

Grandpa was such an amazing and caring person. He was always so thoughtful and generous and was liked by everyone. He had a way about him that was so calming. I have so many great memories of going to Paddock Lake with them and taking weekend vacations to go see plays or horse back riding. And then the bigger trips: a Caribbean cruise and then Europe! And of course visiting them in Florida where we would swim, golf, play tennis, play cards, and Grandpa would make us fresh squeezed orange juice! I will miss him and feel grateful for all the times I was able to spend with him.

you have my sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. He was an excellent coach and leader of all that played for him. He coached by the rules and got the best out of all that played for him. He coached with respect and dignity and will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace. What a wonderful tribute to your father. Coach Pozza

So Sorry to hear about your dads passing. He was an excellent leader of young men and instilled in them true sportsmanship and the respect for the game. His wonderful smile and gentle manner would light up a room. May his soul rest in peace. A great tribute !!!!

Had the privilege of being under his leadership for 2 years...in the classroom and on the field. Always treated with respect. A man of character.

Larry and I were sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Some of my earliest memories of Tremper are of your father and his kindness. He was a gentleman/gentle man who showed concern for his student athletes beyond the playing field. Our sympathies are with you and your family.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Tremper High School head football Coach Vern Schmale.

But it brought a smile to my face to read that the highlight of his coaching career was winning 3 of the first 4 conference championships after the new Southeastern Conference was created in Wisconsin.

I had the privilege of being the quarterback of the first of those championship teams, in the fall of 1970. My memories of Coach Schmale are that he possessed two characteristics that were critical to the success of our team.

The first was that he was a skilled manager…of all the people involved in the team (players, assistant coaches, support staff, etc.), and of all the business processes needed by the team (scheduling, transportation, equipment, etc.). Our team was successful because of how well Coach Schmale managed all of these aspects. I particularly recall how effectively Coach managed his staff of assistant coaches. He allowed his assistants freedom to be responsible for their particular area, but expected them to adhere to the high standards and performance expectations he established. Coach Schmale was also adept at knowing when it was necessary for him to step in and make executive decisions, for the good of the team.

The second characteristic that made Coach Schmale so effective was his leadership skills. Coach was a “cool, calm and collected” leader…exactly what our team needed. I recall coming to the sidelines during time-outs, with the team a little distraught if things were not going well on the field. Coach was always there to provide a positive, calming influence, which helped keep our entire team focused in the face of adversity. This was a major key to our success.

Coach Schmale taught my teammates and I many valuable life lessons along our journey…about sportsmanship, teamwork, and winning & losing. These lessons helped us grow into better adults, for which I am forever grateful.

The world has lost a great coach, and a great man, with the passing of Vern Schmale. I think I can represent the members of the 1970 Tremper football team in offering our sincere condolences to Lynn and Rock, and the entire Schmale family. It is my hope that when the pain of his passing subsides, the memories of the fun and success we shared with Coach Schmale during that 1970 championship football season will bring a smile to your faces, as they have to mine.

Mike Hughes

As a young person I remember Uncle Verne visiting the farm often. He always had that great smile. I remember his hospitiality when we visited him and Aunt Pat in Florida, always so giving. Will miss him but know he is with his sisters and brothers resting in peace.

So sorry about your dad. I didn't know him very well, but what I remember most was his statuesque presence. He was always very sweet and handsome! Once again....my sympathy.

Jana and I were so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Charlene remembers him as the best, good looking teacher during her High School days,  RIP Verne.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and you, Lynn. What a beautiful memorial!