Donald H. Schruers

Donald H. Schruers passed away in his sleep at his family’s farm in the early morning of September 11, 2024. He was born in Erie, PA on January 25, 1941 to Norman and Jennie Schruers. For his first couple of years, they lived in the little red house that still stands on Rt. 99 just north of Hobbs Lumber. Norm and Jennie had bought that house so that Don's brother, Norman “Bud”, and sister, Sue, could attend school in Edinboro. Don was subsequently raised on the family farm where he helped out with everything involved in operating the dairy, and enjoyed other activities, such as riding horses with his childhood friends. Don first attended the old school that once stood on High Street, and then at Compton Hall when it opened to serve Edinboro’s K-12 students. He was a “Turtle” and part of the last graduating class from Edinboro High School in 1959. 

Not long after graduation, Don headed off to Chicago, IL, to attend DeVry Technical Institute, with a focus on radio, electronics and computers. While attending DeVry, he worked as a handyman at Roselle Air Field. It was there at the airport coffee shop that he would first meet Debbie Schettle, who was filling in as a waitress one day for a friend. Debbie saw Don sitting alone at a table reading his Bible and struck up a conversation. They would marry on June 15, 1963, in Debbie’s home town of Itasca, Il. 

After attending Longmont Bible College in Colorado, Don was offered a position as a customer engineer with IBM in Cleveland, OH, living in Elyria and then Oberlin. In 1964, their daughter Micahe was born, followed by Eric in 1966. In 1968, Don was able to transfer closer to home and the family moved to Meadville, PA, living there until 1980. In that year, Don was able to transfer to IBM’s Erie office, and moved to the family farm in Edinboro, where he and Debbie would spend the rest of their lives. 

Don had many interests and hobbies. A devout Christian, he always placed his family and his faith first and foremost. He was a longtime member of McLane Church. He loved collecting and restoring antiques and was a history buff, with a particular interest in the Civil War, as well as in local Edinboro history. He was a member of the Erie Civil War Roundtable, and a founding member of the Edinboro Area Historical Society, where he devoted a much of his time after retirement and served as president for a number of years. He also served on the board and as secretary of the Edinboro Cemetery Association for many years. 

Don was preceded in death by Debbie in 2016; by his brother, Norman “Bud” (Frannie) Schruers; his sister, Sue (Phil) Walker; a niece, Betsy Schruers-Lapinsky; and brother-in-law, Wilburn Franz. 

He is survived by his son, Dr. Eric Schruers, daughter-in-law, Lisa, and beloved granddaughter, Sophia, all residing in Edinboro; his daughter, Micahe Lee, residing in McLean, VA; his much-loved nieces and nephews and their spouses (some of whom still refer to him by his childhood nickname, “Uncle Hiram”), Tom and Kathy Schruers of Edinboro, Robin Henson of Memphis, TN, Duffy and Peggy Schruers of Edinboro, Dena Ritter of Baltimore, MD; David and Connie Walker of Fairview, PA, Melody and Jeff Kushner of Edinboro, Russell and Mary Walker of Edinboro, and Marilee and Andy Wnek of Albion, PA. Also surviving him are his sister-in-law, Barbara Franz of San Antonio, TX, and her children and their spouses, Dr. Kathleen Franz and the Honorable Brendan Danaher of Washington, DC, and Lt. Col. David Franz and Dr. Dana Franz of Starkville, MS. 

The family wishes to thank all of the friends, family and healthcare workers who visited and helped take care of Dad over the past several months.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Rd., Edinboro, PA. A funeral service will follow at noon for anyone wishing to attend. 

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Don's name to the Edinboro Historical Society,126 Water Street, Edinboro, PA 16412. To send condolences, please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.