Donald “Papa and Bop” Orin Schlegel, 83, passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at Tryon Estates in Columbus, N.C.

Don was the son of the late Lloyd and Elizabeth Scheurenbrand Schlegel. Born in South Dakota, he was raised on his family’s farm. Don graduated from Armor High School in 1952 and from South Dakota School of Mines in 1956. He began his career as an Electrical Engineer with General Electric and finished his career with Okuma America in Charlotte, N.C. in 1995. Don was an active member of every church he attended and in every community he lived in. He was an avid hiker and a wildflower photographer.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years Carol Schlegel, two sons, Mark Schlegel (Colleen) of Newtown, Pa. and John Schlegel (Maryrose) of Oak Hill, Va.; a daughter, Beth Schlegel of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters, Dorothea Tesch of Armor, S.D. and Karen Baier of Corsica, S.D.; two brothers-in-law, Byron Park of Richmond, Ind. and Walter Mills (Joanne) of Bloomington, Ind. and four grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Michaela, and Kyle. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at Tryon Estates in Columbus, N.C. with Dr. Dent Davis and Reverend Charles Drawdy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764, Steps To Hope, P.O. Box 518, 60 Ward Street, Columbus, NC 28722, or Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC 28782.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory

Tryon, N.C.