Henry Schroeter

"Hieney" Schroeter, age 89, passed away on March 25, 2011. Born on May 20, 1921 to Berthold and Bertha Schroeter in Michigan City, Indiana where he spent most of his life before retiring with his wife, Irene, to Ft. Myers, FL. Irene and Hieney were married for over 50 years, she passed away in 2001. He and Irene moved to Clyde, NC some 20 years ago. Prior to his retirement, Hieney was an equipment maintenance supervisor with Brown Trucking and Bulk Transport Corporation in Michigan City. He worked there for over 25 years. After high school, Hieney served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was an engine mechanic stationed in Australia and the Philippines. Sgt. Schroeter serviced B-25's and B-17 bombers receiving commendations for "a job well done" from Army Air Forces Commanding General Arnold. Hieney was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). During the 1940' and 50's Hieney enjoyed s special hobby; that of midget auto racing. He co-owned and was chief mechanic for the #87 Bulk Transport Special. When the United States Auto Club (USAC) was being formed as the sanctioning body for all auto racing, Heiney was a Charter Member of the organization. Chuck Rodee, Midget Hall of Fame member and Indianapolis 500 driver drove the #87 midget to five successive years as indoor midget champion at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Chuck was the second ranking midget racer in the nation in 1956, third in 1955, and fifth in 1957. Hieney, Irene and racing crew traveled throughout the Midwest winning races in every state. Friends and family of Hieney enjoyed his unique sense of humor and his easygoing approach to life with its many ups and downs. He is survived by his son, Leonard and wife Karen Schroeter of Central Point, OR; three grandsons, Timothy of Bottineau, ND, Barry of Yankton, SD, and Shawn of Moorhead, MN with their spouses; Denise, Mona, and Teresa plus six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four special friends, Susie Rhodarmer of Clyde, NC; Jack and Eva Brown of Clyde, NC, and John Graf of Canton, NC. At Hieney's request there will be no funeral services, his cremated remains will be joined with Irene's and transported to the family cemetery in Furnessville, IN. Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Canton is in charge of arrangements.