Normandy High School
50th Reunion for Class of 1973
In Memory: Teachers & Admins
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IN LOVING MEMORY
OF OUR BELOVED TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
The Parma City School District regrets to report the passing of Wesley Gaab at the age of 99.
Gaab, a World War II veteran, was the longest-serving principal of Normandy High School from 1968 to 1982.
In 2010, Gaab was inducted into the inaugural class of the Normandy High School Outstanding Achievement Hall of Fame for his 14 years as the school’s first principal.
Wes and his late wife, Ruth, raised two children, Judy, a nurse in Phoenix, and Jeff, a Parma photographer. He is also survived by several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Services are pending.
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"Mr. Gaab was principal when I attended Normandy (graduating in 1973).
He was one of the happiest, most friendly people I ever knew, even today.
He was a true inspiration and a great example of how people should behave.
He knew how to listen to the kids and offer good, solid non-judgemental advice.
RIP, Mr. Gaab."
Ray
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A LOVING NOTE FROM JAN SCHLEMMER MORABITO
1973 CLASSMATE AND DAUGHTER OF OUR BELOVED MR. SCHLEMMER
Walter Elden Schlemmer died August 28, 2020, age 93, in Benton Kentucky.
We attribute our dad's longevity to his positive attitude, sharp mind, active retirement, and having been taught to swim by his wife of 60 years, Susan.
Walter E. Schlemmer was the 3rd of four sons of Christine and Raymond Schlemmer, born in 1926 in North Canton, Ohio.
Walter served in the Navy in WWII. When the war ended he attended the University of Steubenville majoring in mathematics. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan V. Howe in 1946. He taught high school math for 30 years, ending up at Normandy High in Parma, Ohio. He was a popular teacher who loved his subject and inspired many students in the field. In 1960 he received a scholarship to get his MA at LSU. In 2011 he received the
Normandy High School Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame.
Walter and Susan raised four children, Penny, married to Roger Fortney, Rebecca, married to Eric Edwards, Dane married to Valerie Schlemmer, and Jan married to Gene Morabito. Dane died in 2018. There are 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Schlemmers retired to Arkansas, where Walter realized his dreams of fishing, swimming, country living, gardening, and low taxes. They were happiest when their children and grandchildren visited. They traveled extensively in the US, not only visiting family but competing in local and national Senior Olympics. Both he and Susan won many medals in running and swimming.
Walter and Susan were active in the Lake Ouachita hiking club. They also volunteered in Hot Springs National Park.
After Susan died in 2007, Walter continued to volunteer at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, driving there from his home in Kentucky.
We remember Dad best on his bass boat with a line in the water, leading a hike,
feeding the birds and cursing the squirrels, or playing sudoku in his easy chair.
- Jan
