Lester Schaner
Lester (Buster or Mac) Edwin Schaner passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He was born September 16, 1949, in Hart, MI, the son of the late Lester Elwin and Julia Marie (Balavitch) Schaner.
Buster attended kindergarten and first grade in Elbridge at Sackrider one room schoolhouse, then attended St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Hart through eighth grade. He graduated from Hart High School in 1967 where he played football, was an all-conference tackle, and was in the band playing percussion instruments.
After high school he worked on the car ferry, SS Badger, which he enjoyed but could not handle the stormy lake. He worked for Mozart Chevrolet for a year and then moved to Muskegon attending Muskegon Community College. He worked at Neway Suspensions, then moved to Monroe, working for Canonie Construction. Buster then moved to the East Coast working along the inter-coastal waterway between New Jersey and Florida, before continuing on to Waukegan, Illinois, working for Curran Asphalt. In 2012, he was recognized for 30 years of service to Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers; and was well known for his excellent welding and fabricating expertise.
Buster loved NASCAR, collecting diecast vehicles, and taking his Chevy Suburban to car shows. He also loved his mom’s home cooked meals and pies. Buster loved music and would spend hours jamming on the organ until late at night.
Buster is survived by: his five siblings, Jane Schaner Burcon (Michael) of Comstock Park, Louise Schaner, of Kalamazoo, Chas Schaner (Marcia) of Caledonia, Johanna Jehnsen (Wayne deceased) of Lansing and Kathleen Schaner of Middleville; as well as eight nieces and nephews; and four grand-nieces and nephews.
Buster will be missed by many family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hart Fire Department, 808 State Street, PO Box 125, Hart MI, 49420 or the Oceana County Animal Shelter, 2185 West Baseline Road, Shelby, MI 49455.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Oceana Eagles, 4535 North Oceana Drive, Hart, MI 49420.
www.beaconfh.com
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