Harold (Hal) J. Schweiger

Harold (Hal) J. Schweiger, 94, formerly of Indianapolis, was born in Lafayette, IN, and transitioned peacefully into the hands of God on May 10, 2014, in Ft. Myers, FL. He was married 49 years to Helen Louise Frosch, his high school sweetheart and love of his life, with whom he raised three daughters. Hal graduated from Purdue University in microbiology and chemistry. He completed his degree after serving in the US Navy as Captain of a mine-sweeper during World War II (South Pacific Theater). His training in the Navy as a medic and surgical technician was significant in preparing him for an illustrative career at Eli Lilly & Co. The pinnacle of his professional life was noted when he was promoted to Supervisor of Polio Vaccine Production, wherein through his efforts and others, Lilly’s Salk vaccine virtually eradicated polio worldwide, as declared by the WHO (World Health Organization) in 1979. Hal often quoted the words from Isaiah 41:10 during that challenging period: “You are not alone.” As a result of the polio years, Lilly recognized Hal’s ability to motivate and inspire people by naming him Director of Personnel, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. Following the death of his beloved wife, he relocated to Ft. Myers, Fl. Other honorable accomplishments: Lay leader, Irvington United Methodist Church; Scottish Rite Mason; President of Citizens’ Forum; President of Irvington Dance Club; member of the American Legion & Sertoma Club; University of Evansville Board of Trustees; President of Foxcliff HOA, Martinsville, IN; Hope Hospice caregiver and President of Calusa Harbour Retirement Resident Association, Ft. Myers, where he lived independently until his death. Survivors: Wife: Phoebe (Palmer) Schweiger; Daughters: Carole (Dave) Lichtenauer; Linda (Gary) Tyner; Dianne (Bill) Hollars; Grandchildren: Lora (Grant) Smith; David (Elizabeth) Stroh; Matthew (Rachel) Hollars; Rachel Hollars; Great-Grandchildren: Sarah Smith; Garrett Smith; Jude Hollars; Camille Stroh. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St. Indianapolis. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Purdue Foundation for Cancer Research, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907

Tributes

Harold (Hal) J. Schweiger

March 22, 1920 - May 10, 2014