Nyal Henry Schmeichel

NYAL HENRY SCHMEICHEL 1936-2015 Nyal Henry Schmeichel died peacefully surrounded by family at Manor Care in Tacoma, Washington on December 11, 2015. Nyal was born February 23, 1936 in McLaughlin, South Dakota to John and Rose Schmeichel. Nyal and his family moved to Washington when he was five years old. The family lived on the Suquamish Indian Reservation, which is where Chief Seattle was born, before moving to Bremerton. Nyal attended schools in Bremerton where he played football, basketball & baseball (he was All Star in baseball). Nyal graduated from Bremerton High School in 1955. Nyal & several of his classmates have remained best of friends over the years. Nyal worked on the committee for his class reunions which were held every five years. Nyal became friends with Geri Rowley in high school and they married in September 1960. Nyal worked at FW Woolworths dime store in Bremerton and then Seattle. He took a leave of absence to join the military (National Guard). He was hired by Sears to manage the paint and hardware departments in Bremerton. In 1972 Nyal was transferred to the Tacoma Sears store to manage the hardware department; he also traveled to other Sears stores to set up their hardware departments. Nyal retired from Sears after 38 years of dedicated service; he then worked part-time in the Sears outlet store in Tacoma. While living in Bremerton in 1961, Nyal organized the Interlude Baseball team; they had great fun and won several tournaments. Nyal loved working with flowers, camping and entertaining family and friends. Nyal hosted many parties and was well known for his Super Bowl get-togethers. Nyal enjoyed spending time in the Unlimited Hydroplane pits with Greg over the years. Nyal took pride in his collection of Budweiser beer steins. Nyal resided at Narrows Glen in Tacoma the last two years. He recently was honored as Resident of the Month. Nyals survivors include son Greg Schmeichel; daughter French Walker (Nylene Schmeichel); 3 granddaughters Brittany, CoCo and Memphis; former wife Geri Schmeichel Abraham; brothers Harley Schmeichel and Marv Schmeichel; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, brother Keith Schmeichel, and sister Donna Jorgenson. Nyal will be greatly missed. Nyals life celebration will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at noon at Day Island Yacht Club, 2120 -91st Avenue West, University Place, Washington 98466.