Frank Joseph Schoser, of Durango, died of natural causes on Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center. He was 89. Mr. Schoser was born Nov. 15, 1914, in Durango, the youngest child of Ludwig and Dora Schoser. He married Howeta Roacher on Sept. 5, 1938, and in 1942 the couple moved to California where Mr. Schoser worked in the shipyards during World War II. They returned to Durango when his father became ill.
The Schosers had five children, Frankie, Sandi, Sharon, Carol and Tom. Mrs. Schoser died in March 1957.
Mr. Schoser bought an auto repair shop in Durango in 1944 and ran it with his brother John until 1947. He met Gordon and Priscilla Burnett in 1948 when he supplied logs for their house, and the following year went to work for Mr. Burnett's construction company as a heavy equipment operator and crusher foreman. He worked for the firm until it was sold in 1968.
Mr. Schoser went to work immediately for Hamer Construction where he worked for 12 years. Throughout the years he worked in construction, Mr. Schoser cut and hauled firewood.
Mr. Schoser married Ella Virginia Ashridge on April 12, 1960. The couple had one son, Sam.
Mr. Schoser is remembered by his family for his love of fishing, hunting and baseball. He also built many clocks, which have become treasured by family members.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Schoser is survived by sons, Frankie and Tom Schoser both of Durango and Sam Schoser of Bloomfield, N.M. He also is survived by daughters, Sharon Hamer of Durango, and Carol O'Donnal of Mesa, Ariz. Stepchildren Michael Cordary of Grand Junction, Roger Cordary of Hesperus, Kathy Gardner of Salt Lake City and Sylvia Reynolds of Kearn, Utah, also survive Mr. Schoser.
Mr. Schoser is survived by grandchildren Scott and Butch Hamer, Jeff O'Donnal, Sean Waddell, Chance and Chase Schoser, Tracie DeBoer, Darell Cordary, Alicia Cordary, Laurie Hartley, Joustin Cordary, Terry Schoser, Tyke Schoser, Samantha Schoser and Frank Frank" Schoser. He also is survived by nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers, John, Barney and Leo Schoser; sisters, Mary Schumacher and Emma Redman; and a daughter, Sandi Waddell.
A memorial service is scheduled at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Iron Horse Inn in Durango. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2164, Durango 81302 or the Four Corners Rehabilitation Center, 2911 Junction St., Durango 81301.
The Durango Herald, May 2004
He would not like to "steal the show" from those who today have the responsibility. That is why for some years Gustav Schoser has not all too often been seen at his former workplace. Unless he is asked for his help - or he is celebrated as this Sunday. Tomorrow, the City of Frankfurt organises a great reception for the 80th birthday of the long-standing director of the Palm Garden. He was "more than surprised" about this honour - and even more about the number of people who have confirmed their attendance at the event, he says. 
