Linfred L. Schuttler, of Spearfish, passed away on his 92nd birthday on November 2, 2016 at the David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center.

Linfred was born at home on a farm two miles east of Farmer, South Dakota on November 2, 1924 to Fred and Edna (Roth) Schuttler. He attended and graduated from Edgerton Consolidated School in Farmer in 1942. After graduation he was drafted and called into the Army in 1943.

Lin was very proud of his service in combat in WWII. He was assigned to the 103rd Infantry Division of the 7th Army deployed in Southern France, Germany, and Austria and through the Brenner Pass into Northern Italy. At war's end he was the "Old Man" in his mortar squad at 20 years of age. He was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, the North Africa/European Theater Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star and the WWII Victory Medal.

A long-time resident of Spearfish, he arrived here with his parents and younger brother in 1948. The family started truck gardening in Spearfish Valley, a business that lasted into the early 1970's. Wanting more Lin began working for the US Postal Service, walking a town route in excess of 8 miles daily for 25 years. When a heart condition forced his retirement from the Post Office, he embarked on a new love, a store, a book store-The Bell, Book and Candle Shop.

Lin was a consummate historian of Spearfish and Lawrence County. His friendship and eventual marriage to Charlotte Bryant, whose grandfather was in the first gold discovery party in Deadwood, ignited a desire to know as much as his fertile mind could hold. No newspaper could escape his scissors, the clippings going into files by subject to be used for presentations to various clubs and groups and some to just grow for future use. His life-long desire was to write a history of the vegetable gardens and farms of Spearfish Valley. Sadly, "Apples to Zucchini" was not to be. Research of one subject always ended up with discovering others. The Post Offices of Lawrence County was one of these, including finding old locations, pinpointing them on a map, and collecting the post marks. Lawrence County led to Butte and Meade Counties.

Linfred had many interests. Stamp collecting and making jams and jellies from wild fruit were in the forefront. Many friends were gifted with his exotic fare. Traveling with Charlotte to most countries in Europe over many of the same routes traveled as a soldier was especially enjoyable for both of them.

If he belonged to an organization he believed you had to participate. He was a registered researcher in the South Dakota State Archives, a member of the South Dakota Historical Society, the Black Hills Pioneers, Westerners and Lawrence County and Spearfish Historical Society, holding many offices in each. He was a member of the Kiwanis becoming a George F. Hixon Fellow. He belonged to the 103rd Infantry Division Veterans Association, The American Legion and the VFW holding many offices, especially treasurer of the Kiwanis and American Legion.

Lin was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church where again he was treasurer and for over 50 years served as an usher.

Linfred was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Charlotte. He is survived by his brother, Ronald and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at the United Methodist Church. Burial, with military honors provided by the Spearfish Honor Guard and the US Army, will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit the United Methodist Church Building Fund and the Spearfish Veterans Monument, memorial may be sent to 330 East Jackson Blvd. Spearfish, SD 57783.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com