Oswald Schexnayder
(June 18, 2009, Monthly Fellowship Meeting) Shawn Luce, son of Guy Hokanson (photographer, not shown) enjoys time with his “adopted” grandpa Oswald Schexnayder.
What do diapers and politicians have in common?
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Quotable quotes— Men of Manresa member Oswald Schexnayder is owner and operator of Blue Bill Services Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Co. He has adorned his van with political humor, personal proverbs, and other items of personal interest that capture the attention and imagination of all who see it. |
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HAND WRITTEN MESSAGES BRING CHEER
(The Lamb, October 2008)
A few days ago I stopped at a red light. Not having a great day, I looked up at the white van in front of me that had hand written messages in various spots. The first said “Diapers and politicians have to be changed regularly.” After a few seconds this brought a chuckle and smile as I made the connection. In another spot scribbled was “What I lack in ignorance I make up for in stupidity”!! “I live every day as though it’s my last one, one day I will be right.” Some people are meant to be quoted!! Workshop walls speak volumes about master mechanic MANRESAN MEMBER KEEPS NO SECRETS ABOUT FAITH, POLITICS OR HUMOR (The Lamb, March 2008) Other than an LSU poster or a Snap-On Tools calendar, the last workshop you were in probably had little or no embellishment on its walls. Enthusiasm & memories of duck hunting expose Manresan’s essence “HUMOR, HUMILITY, AND PRAYER” (The Lamb, April 2008) Editor’s note: This is the second segment in a series of articles about Oswald Schexnayder and the expressions of faith and philosophy on his workshop walls. For the sake of brevity, we omit here the introductory paragraphs which can be found in the March 2008 edition of “The Lamb”. "Shake" (The Lamb, May 2001) You may know him as the friendly gentleman who alertly ushers you into so many Masses and other church services. Or you may know him as the dedicated, energetic, and ageless fellow who has used his countless refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, welding, and carpentry skills in most of the parish buildings - and in many parish homes. You may even remember him as the little boy who swam across the Mississippi when he was growing up in New Sarpy, before serving in the Navy in WW II, and marrying his beautiful and loving sweetheart Emma in 1950. Or you may know him, as so many parishioners do, as their humble "Paw-Paw", who lovingly provides deep spiritual guidance and teaches by example what it means to follow Christ; as his adult granddaughter Amie so appropriately adapts the words of Emeril Lagasse, her grandfather "bumps it up a few notches." Bam! Regardless, Oswald "Shake" Schexnayder is probably no stranger to you. On May 27, this long-time Men of Manresa member and disciple of Christ will be recognized in the St. Louis Cathedral as the Senior Citizen of the Year for St. Charles Borromeo Parish. The SCB Men of Manresa congratulate Oswald and will continue to pray for him. And although he humbly discourages such public recognition, Oswald was one of the first people in the parish to receive the Order of St. Louis Medallion for dedication to the Church from the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
I don’t think he was apologizing for the first statement with the second statement, but who knows the mind of a genius? The owner of the truck is a Men of Manresa member whose workshop is similarly inscribed, and was featured in earlier issues of “The Lamb.” Other sayings that he has displayed prominently on his van include the following:
“Exercise lets you die healthier.”
“Tools and talent on loan from God at no cost.”
“Marriage is the only war which you sleep with the enemy.”
Not so with the shop of Men of Manresa member Oswald Schexnayder; he is a master heating and refrigeration mechanic, pipefitter, welder, carpenter, and electrician; but even more so, he is a devoted Catholic, hunter, political aficionado, veteran, historian, humorist, and friend to all.
Oswald’s shop walls are covered with writing, pictures, and icons that reflect volumes about his personality, his devotion, his hobbies, humor, and character. Consisting of four rooms -each room named after a pope who had recently passed away around the time of its construction– Oswald’s workshop is professionally equipped and personally appointed.
So, after many requests by fellow Manresan members to feature Oswald’s shop in this publication, we present here the first candid peek inside. Expect more in future issues; there are way too many pearls of wisdom, nuggets of humor and mountains of faith on those walls to explore in just this one issue.
Scripture—Oswald Schexnayder, ready to do some welding, is equally prepared to proclaim scripture. This entry to his shop reminds all who enter “If today you listen to His voice, harden not your heart.”
Faith—Handwritten notes next to the Crucifix on this door declare: “Jesus I trust in you.” “Real men take their cross and follow Him” (with arrow to Jesus). “Holy Mass, the most powerful prayer in the world!” and “God is in my shop always”
Honor—All who enter this room cross the threshold of the “Pope John XXIII Bldg.”
Humor—There is no shortage of comedy on Oswald’s workshop walls. This notice declares “One out of four people in this country is mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends...if they seem Okay, then you’re the one.”
SCB history—A golden sticker affixed to another door recalls the celebration of our parish’s 250th anniversary, in 1973.
Sailors and friends—Handwritten notes on a shiny metal panel share personal proverbs and remembrances, among them: “I was in the Navy so long the ships were made of wood and the men were made of iron.” And another: “In memory of my best friend Duke Bourgeois who taught me how to love Christ and do His work!”
Abortion and politics—Make no mistake about where all Catholics should stand on the sanctity of life: “Vote pro life.”
ID—This toolbox, inscribed “Stolen from Oswald Schexnayder” actually prompted this writer to introduce himself to Oswald as he was doing some volunteer repairs to SCB church after Mass one Sunday.
Oswald Schexnayder points out a few of the many hunting photos and articles that can be found on the walls of his workshop. Prominently placed in the midst of them is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A handwritten billboard dramatically declares “It is a rare breed of men who sport for the elusive bluebill, their courage, intrepidness and intestinal fortitude with God’s blessing makes them worthy to wear their camouflaged beret.” 
A personal proverb says “Us hunters should use the Indian prayer as our guide. It goes like this -” The entire prayer is shown, ending with the petition “Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes so when life fades as the fading sunset my spirit may come to you without shame! Amen.” Amen, brother Oswald. Amen indeed.
One note (first photo) jokes in Cajun French about the “Boss Hoss Hunter Award Trophy” being a porta-potty, and a wooden toilet seat (second photo) is embellished with the names of the “Hoss All Hunter Hall of Fame.” (‘Boss Hoss’ is a reference to his loving wife Emma; ‘Hoss’ is a reference to himself.)
Another note humbly attests “I loved to hunt but I hated not being good at it.” 