Louis Anton Schindler was born February 7, 1924, and passed away on January 18, 2026, at 101 years old. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Louis “Lou” retired from the Army after serving in 3 wars (WWII, Korean, Vietnam) from 1944 – 1965. Lou was a decorated soldier awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) 3 times and was one of 325 to receive this award.
In addition, SPC Schindler was awarded the following decorations and Citations while serving:
Bronze Star Medal w/oakleaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal – Purple Heart Medal (2), Army Good Conduct Medal w/clasp & 5 bronze loops, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/1 bronze star & arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal w/ Germany and Japan clasps, National Defense Medal w/1 bronze star, Korean Service Medal w/3 bronze stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 bronze star, Philippine Liberation Medal w/2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 device, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (I&R Platoon from Korea), Distinguished Unit Emblem (from Korea), Korean Liberation Medal – Cold War Medal, Philippine Presidential unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge w/2 stars (3rd Award).
After his time in the US Army, Lou dedicated 20 years of service to the American Red Cross serving Army, Air Force and Navy from 1966 – 1985. Lou loved to travel the world post-retirement, he made and shared his famous “Apple Strudel” pastry, enjoyed going to lunch with friends and playing the lottery. Lou was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado. What we remember most about Lou was his quiet, humble, and gentle soul that touched so many lives over his lifetime.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel,1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9am at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Immediately following the service there will be a luncheon for family and friends at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
Following the luncheon, burial will be held at 1pm with full military honors at, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations via check at ENT Federal Credit: Account: Dutch Nelson Chapter, Korean War Veterans Association Organization.
I am Jerry Cooke, wife of my deceased husband, Harry Cooke. I remember a Convention of the 7th infantry that was held there in Colorado Springs. After the convention was over, Lou had us over for a nice meal, then took us all aver the beautiful State.
We were home for about a week when i received a beautiful poem that he sent me.Lou also sent me various coins of his activities – maybe on his birthday but again, just a showing of his personality. Harry always gave Lou so much credit for being the man that he was. I was invited to his 100th Birthday but at my age could not travel that far by myself. I am living in Columbia, SC . Lou was familiar with this area as he was at Fort Jackson for awhile.
Sorry my sweet friend is gone, but he will never be forgotten.
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Schindler’s distinguished service to our country in the Army. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
I am a former Colorado Springs Red Cross co-worker of Lou. I knew him for 40+ years and he was a kind and thoughtful friend. He shared his remembrance coins each year he had one made for his birthday. His military service during three wars was admirable. We enjoyed going to lunch when I visited him. He often recounted his Army experiences and was a loyal American veteran. After retiring from Red Cross he enjoyed travelling and often shared his travel photos and experiences. I will miss his jokes and stories, but I have fond memories of him.
Marilyn Berkstresser Minkin
My dear sweet uncle Louis I shall miss you so much. But I know you’re up there with Mom and Dad and Aunt Helen remembering old times! Especially when we all went to Vegas! You used to tease me until I cried but as got older I knew it as a sign of affection and would tease you right back. You promised me one more year and you sure gave it a good run. When I called a few weeks ago I should have known when you said you weren’t reading anymore. Im sorry I wasn’t there for you but I thank Brian and Sue for being there.
Love you
Your every loving neice
TONI CHARM