William Karl Schettler

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of William Karl Schettler on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at his residence in Plumas, MB with his Elaine by his side.  

Billy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 14th, 1933, the second of 4 children born to Charlie and Katie Schettler.  In the spring of 1937, the family moved to Plumas.  It was while going to school here that he met the love of his life, Elaine Bell. Grandma is quick to point out that they weren’t exactly friends when they first met, but as they got older, Billy grew on her! 

They were married on Wednesday, September 14th, 1955 in Plumas, Manitoba.  After the wedding, they settled on the former Clarence Coutts homestead where they raised their 4 children who are a testament to his guidance, love, and unwavering support. Together, they also cherished the joy of being grandparents and great-grandparents, leaving a legacy of nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, with an eleventh on the way. Their presence was felt at countless events, almost always in the front row, whether it was Christmas concerts, hockey rinks, baseball diamonds, or curling games. True to form, they were always early, securing the best spots to cheer on their loved ones. 

Billy was a passionate goose and duck hunter, hockey player, fisherman, and curler, spending many enjoyable hours pursuing his favorite hobbies.  He was a true supporter of his community, especially the curling club. With Billy as President, the Plumas Curling Club installed their first artificial ice plant in 1968.  Billy had a way of connecting with people and it was a very rare circumstance for him to go somewhere and not run into someone he knew.

Billy’s love for farming ran deep, and even though he had technically “retired” from farming, he could be found conducting surprise field inspections on his son and grandsons, picking rocks, and operating machinery whenever possible. It was his devotion to family that defined him the most. He loved fiercely—through both the best and worst of times—and never hesitated to tell it how it was, always keeping us grounded. 

Billy was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Katie Schettler, parents-in-law Cameron and Mary Bell, brother Donald (Marina) Schettler, sister Irene (Bob) Moore, sister-in-law Jean (Walter) Moscrip and brother-in-law Jack Bell. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Elaine, children Karen (Craig) Ferguson, Beverley (Lawson) Davie, Glenn Schettler, and Wayne (Sharni) Schettler. 

Grandchildren Lynn (Joel), Mark (Stacey), Kristyn (Chad), Scott (Chelsea), Erin (Paul), Jennifer (Rylin), Jacey (Sam), Taylor (Haley), Carter (Lindsay), great grandchildren Owen, Alex, Kallie, Harper, Brynlee, Sebastian, Elizabeth, Tate, Sloane, Vaughn, Lane, Kippan and another one on the way, sister Bernice (Russell) Patterson and sister in law, Shirley Bell.  

Billy's legacy will live on in the stories we share, the laughter we carry, and the skills (including filleting fish—well, most of us!) he passed down. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and we are so grateful for the time we had with him. He had a way of making people come together through humour, and we hope that wherever he is now, he can finally hear us and find us just as funny as we think we are. 

Rest in peace, Billy. You meant the world to us.