Gary R. Schlegel

Lafayette--A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mr. Gary R. Schlegel, age 72, at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard, Louisiana, with Father Michael Delcambre officiating

Gary Roy Schlegel lived his life with strength, purpose, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. Gary was born in Medina, New York, the oldest son of four children, and called Youngsville, Louisiana home for the last 32 years. After a difficult illness, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply and spent his life protecting. He faced the final days of his life with the same courage, dignity, and quiet strength that defined him throughout his life.

Gary was, above all else, a family man. For almost 46 years, he adored his wife, Lana, and together they built a life centered around their family. He was the ultimate protector and provider for his family. He rarely complained, because Gary knew that complaining didn’t do any good. Instead, he faced whatever was in front of him, always putting the people he loved ahead of himself.

Gary was incredibly proud of his daughters and the women they became. He took great pride not only in their accomplishments and successful careers, but even more so in the lives they built for themselves. Watching them grow into strong, loving women was one of his greatest joys. He was especially proud of the families they created and loved the wonderful men they chose as their husbands. Both of his sons-in-law were devoted husbands and incredible fathers to his grandchildren, something Gary cherished deeply. Knowing his daughters were loved and cared for, and seeing the wonderful mothers and wives they had become, gave him a deep sense of pride and happiness.

His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. There was nothing Gary loved more than being their grandfather. He loved watching them do what they loved, teaching them new things, cheering them on, and making memories together. He cherished each of them and took genuine joy in seeing their personalities, talents, and interests unfold. They brought an immeasurable amount of happiness to his life and he treasured every moment he had with them.

Gary devoted much of his working life to the oil and gas industry. As with everything he did, he took pride in his work and in doing things the right way, and he built lasting relationships with the many people he worked alongside throughout his career.

Gary loved to live life. He was blessed with countless talents and never stopped trying to learn new things. He loved music, spending time with friends, being outdoors, fishing, getting out on a boat, and working in his garden. But most of all, he loved spending time in his shop, where he could tinker, build, fix, and create. He had a God-given talent for working with his hands and took great pride in making beautiful and useful things for his family, his friends, and so many others.

Gary will be remembered for his sharp wit, infectious laugh, many talents, and the unmistakable presence he brought wherever he went. He could be quiet and a man of few words, but he could also be loud, animated, and impossible to ignore. He was strong yet had a gentle heart. He was generous with his time and gave freely.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and neighbor. He lived a full life surrounded by the people and things he loved. He leaves behind a family who will miss him deeply but carry his love, his lessons, his humor, and his memory with them always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana or Food with Love in Gary’s memory. We hope that, through these gifts, other families may receive the same extraordinary care, comfort, and blessings that meant so much to our family throughout this journey.

Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at friouxfunerals.com.

Frioux Funeral Home of Lafayette, 316 Youngsville Hwy, (337) 837-9887 is in charge of arrangements.