Alfred John Schoelles

28 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, artist Alfred John Schoelles, 82, died at his home, Easter Sunday in Decatur. He is survived by his wife Jeanie Doucher Schoelles, his daughters, Ann Schoelles Gerondelis, Jenny Doucher Thomas, Mary Lee Doucher Brown, Dorothy Doucher Schoelles Haney, and son, William C. Doucher. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Iris Storey Schoelles, sons, Scott Schoelles and Eric Schoelles, and daughter Dennie Bass Doucher. He was a successful father of a blended family of 8 children, all of whom graduated from college. He was an advertising executive and was vice president of Gordon Bailey Advertising. He was President of Tucker Toastmasters and a life long member of the Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities. He was a life long artist, trained in art at Albright Art School, Art Institute of Buffalo, Erie County Technical Institute, and State University at Buffalo.

He served in the Korean War as Squad Leader of the 35th Infantry for 18 months after marrying his first wife and high school sweetheart Iris Storey in 1952. He returned to North Tonawanda, NY worked in advertising and raised their three children, Scott, Eric and Ann. In 1972, he and his family moved to Atlanta to open a food brokerage with partner, Gordon Bailey. His beloved wife, Iris, was killed in an automobile accident on Memorial Dr in January 1972. In February 1973, he married recently widowed Jeanie Doucher, as they met counting money at Messiah Lutheran Church where they were both members. The same year, he and Gordon Bailey started a thriving advertising agency, GBA. He retired in 1988 due to his Parkinson's disease, which was diagnosed in 1983. Then, he became a full time artist giving paintings to all his family and many church friends. His most famous works are his 4' by 5' paintings "Seasons of Grace" that are hung at St John's Lutheran Church, Ponce de Leon Avenue at Oakdale Drive. A quiet intelligent humble man he was, yet conquered his 28 year bout with Parkinson's disease through his art, his determination, and the love and care of his devoted wife, Jeanie. His zest for living and his creative passion will continue to inspire the many lives he touched. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14 at 1:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307. Childcare will be provided. The family will receive friends immediately preceding the service at St. John's starting at 11:00 am, serving light snacks and sharing memories of Al. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John's Lutheran Church.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033