HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE SCHEIDLER, “GODFATHER OF PRO-LIFE ACTIVISM”
By Dan Miller, Pro-Life Wisconsin State Director
Today we mourn with the world upon the passing of Joseph M. Scheidler. I’m sure Joe was as disappointed as I was about the March for Life in Washington DC cancelling. Now he will get one last march, as thousands I’m sure, will want to flock to his funeral to say their goodbyes.
I want to extend my deepest condolences to Joe’s wife, Ann and the entire Scheidler family on behalf of Pro-Life Wisconsin and all our supporters. I can’t say enough about how he helped our organization at critical times. To me, Joe was a legend, but he was also a friend. He was the kind of person who could make you feel so welcomed—like you were the only person in the room. One of Joe’s favorite Latin phrases was "ora et labora" – work and pray, the motto of the Benedictine Order.
If it were not for the work of Joe Scheidler, there may not have been a pro-life movement. Joe’s work could fill many books – in fact it has! One of my most favorite Joe Scheidler stories was when he brought in Saint (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta to speak at one of Pro-Life Action League’s fundraising dinners. When she walked up to the podium (set up for Joe, who easily stood six feet four inches), you couldn’t see her, as she stood five feet tall. Joe grabbed a box of his books that he’d be selling after the dinner and placed them behind the podium for her, so she stood on that and delivered an unforgettable speech. Joe always said with a smile that those books are now a third-class relic!
Requiescat en pace, Joseph M. Scheidler. The work is not done, so we will continue on in the fields of the Lord, always remembering you.