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Gunnar Schelin, a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away gently on July 23, 2017. He was born on November 20, 1922, in Stockholm, Sweden. He moved to Gotenborg, Sweden as a youth and graduated from the University of Gotenborg. Gunnar was very active in sports, competing in swimming, track and field, riflery, skiing, and ice hockey. He made the Swedish National ice hockey team twice and won silver and bronze medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. He was a firefighter in Sweden and served in the Swedish Army during World War II. He embarked to America to coach hockey in New York and, due to a friend's influence, ended up in Houston, TX. He met his future wife, Dorothy Shuffler, there and they were married on January 31, 1958. He began a career in sales which spanned 47 years, including time in Luxembourg and Sweden. They moved overseas for four years and were transferred to Shreveport where they lived for 15 years. They moved to Baton Rouge in 1982 and he continued his sales career until he retired when he was in his 80s. He volunteered his time as a Big Brother, president of the men's club at Christ United Methodist in Shreveport and coaching numerous sports teams. He was an avid tennis player and runner. Gunnar and Dorothy had numerous friends from tennis, their church and their neighborhood. He was extremely generous with his time, money and friendship. He truly never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who knew him, both for his kindness and his sense of humor. He was active in the men's club at First United Methodist Church and was grateful for the lessons they taught him about God's grace. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruth and Sven Schelin. He is survived by his much-loved wife of 59 years, Dorothy Schelin, his beloved daugther, Diana Barkate, and his grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Schelin Barkate of Austin, TX, Chandler Barkate of Metairie and Reed Barkate of Fort Worth, TX. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 in the library of First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. in the church chapel with internment afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, or FUMC, 930 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
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Dorothy, i am so sorry to hear of Gunnar's passing. he was so kind to all of my family. He put up my first building when i went in business and we stay friends for years. there was a bond between us that could not explain. i loved that man.
Sue and Danny Louque
July 27, 2017
A dear friend who was always happy and smiling. A very special person that I'm proud to have known.
Mark Lee
July 27, 2017
Dorothy -- A friend for 40 years, he will be missed. We had great times with you and him on the courts and associated DATSE travels around the country. We can still hear his call "Dor--O-- Thee.
Bob and Jan Martina
July 26, 2017
So sorry to hear of Gunnar passing. Don Picou and I were just talking about him a couple of days ago. I loved him working in the office across from me at Picou Brothers - dancing and cutting up. Never met anybody like him.
Lynn Denny-Brown
July 26, 2017
Hello Dorothy, We were so sorry to hear of Gunnar's passing. I will always remember all the Shreveport stories my Mom and Dad would tell about the DATSE group. My prayers and best wishes to you,
Sherry Seals-Potter
July 26, 2017
Diana and family, I am so saddened to hear about the passing of your sweet Daddy. What a wonderful man. I always admired the way your parents welcomed everyone into your home. What a blessing you all have been to many throughout the years. May God give you all the unsurpassed peace needed and flood your minds with precious memories each and every day.
My love, Debby Ash Williams
Debby Ash
July 26, 2017
So sorry to hear of Gunnar's passing. Lou thought of him as a good friend. My sympathies to you and your family. Pat Faxon
July 25, 2017
So sorry Mrs. Dorothy for your loss.
It was a joy to have known Mr. Gunnar for so many years. He will surely be missed. I know Glenn enjoyed working with him. We were talking about him the other day. He will always be remembered in our hearts and mind.
Glenn & Beverly Decoteau
July 25, 2017
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