Battle Creek Public Schools

Carl Praeuner ('39)
Class of 2023
Student/Alumnus

The sound of Taps forever sent chills down Carl Praeuner’s spine. The farm boy from Battle Creek was drafted in July 1942. Able to assemble a mortar box in 41 seconds, Carl found himself in K Company, 16th Regiment, of the historic 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One.” His duty was to locate and eliminate enemy machine gun nests. After 6 months of D-Day preparation in England, the time had come. Carl prayed while they waited to board the ship that would take them across the English Channel to French shores. With German 88 shells landing in the waters around them, they entered the Jaws of Death and stormed Omaha Beach. Carl zig-zagged on the beach as German shots sent sand flying everywhere. After setting up his mortar box, a German bullet tore open his right knee, traveled up his leg, and into his lower abdomen. He laid awake that night in an open field, praying for medics to arrive as tracer bullets flew overhead. Help arrived the following morning and Carl received the medical attention he needed, along with a Purple Heart medal later on. Carl Praeuner was proud to serve his country, but he was more proud and thankful to have been raised in a Christian home, knowing he was never truly alone.

Doug Gardels ('59)
Class of 2023
Athlete

Doug Gardels filled the headlines as the multisport sensation of the mid-20th century. Doug starred at quarterback his sophomore and junior year, but due to an injury, moved to tight end as a senior. During his junior year, he shared the state record for the longest kickoff return for a TD (95 yards). In basketball, he was a menace on the boards and had a lethal jump shot, averaging 18 ppg over 4 years. Doug ran away with the gold in a variety of track and field events ranging from the 100yd dash to high jump to discuss. His broad (long) jump of 22 feet led the entire state for the majority of his junior season. With a knee injury still plaguing him, he joined the Navy after high school where the break from sports allowed him time to heal. After 4 years in the Navy, Doug was ready to return to football as he joined the Norfolk Jr College Blackhawks and served as their scoring threat from the fullback position. Two successful seasons for NJC created full ride opportunities to numerous D1 colleges. Doug chose to play for the Wyoming Cowboys, where, unfortunately, an early injury ended his illustrious athletic career.

Robb Schnitzler ('82)
Class of 2023
Athlete

No Battle Creek athlete had accumulated more gold than Robb Schnitzler at the time of his induction. Earning 12 letters, he was a standout in football, basketball, and track. His all-state abilities in the backfield led his football team to a state championship in 1981 (12-0). He was a state champion in the long jump, 100m (twice), and 200m (twice) - contributing to the team’s back-to-back state championships in ‘81 and ‘82. Robb previously held the Class C1 100m record, once held the school’s 100m and long jump records, and even up until his induction, still shared the school’s 200m record. He was also an all-conference basketball player and his class Valedictorian. Robb then walked on to play football for the Huskers. There he lettered 3 times and started 2 years as a wide receiver. He led the team in receptions and led the Big Eight in punt return yards per return (ranked 7th nationally) his junior year. He also set the school’s record for career receiving yards per catch (21 yards/catch). Robb’s favorite memories stem from playing for his father and with his brother. He is forever grateful for the dedication and sacrifices made by his teammates and for the support from the school and the community.

Lorna Fundum ('42)
Class of 2023
Employee

Lorna Fundum had an undeniable devotion for making Battle Creek Public Schools a better place. Holding near and dear to her heart the memories she had as a Battle Creek student, Lorna returned in 1965 to take over as the school secretary. She served as secretary to six different superintendents until the time of her retirement in 1993. What modern bookkeeping softwares do now, she did all by hand. But what made Lorna Fundum such a special person was her love for interacting with students and fellow employees. Going above and beyond her secretarial duties, Lorna went out of her way to connect with everyone around her. Former students still have very fond memories of her as well as past coworkers who will forever cherish their time working with Lorna. Her infectious and charismatic personality created an environment that made others feel valued and loved, setting a standard for which all BCPS employees should strive for.

Donna M. and Danny E. "Pete" Smith ('54)
Class of 2023
Supporter

Donna and Danny "Pete" Smith have a combined 81 years of service to Battle Creek Public Schools. Donna took over editing duties of the Battle Creek Enterprise in 1973 and held that position dearly until 2016. She loved including detailed articles of anything and everything school-related. Donna made it her responsibility to make public all the great things Battle Creek students were doing inside and outside the classroom walls. Her passion for giving students a spotlight and keeping the community informed has been cherished by generations of the Battle Creek faithful. Where there was football in Battle Creek, there was Pete Smith. From 1962-2000, Danny “Pete” Smith was the voice of Battle Creek football. His iconic voice holds a special place in the hearts of many Battle Creek fans. And as for those who were there, Pete’s voice can still be heard filling the stands and echoing through the town as the Braves rumbled up and down the gridiron. The addition of Pete calling those games was the extra touch needed to make decades of home football games an unforgettable experience. Being so supportive was just an extension of their everyday life and something Pete and Donna found great joy in for many years.