LITTLE FLOCK, Ark. — “An unsung hero” died Thursday.

Little Flock Mayor Richard H. “Dick” Schoettle died of an apparent heart attack Thursday afternoon while he and his wife, Marsha, prepared for a family camping trip for Labor Day weekend.

“It’s awful when we loose someone anytime, but it’s especially hard when they’re getting ready for a good time. We will always remember them on that holiday,” state Representative Donna Hutchinson said. “Most people don’t realize how hard it is to serve in the public eye ... these guys, the mayors of the little towns, are really the heroes.

“Being mayor, even in a little town, is not like Mayberry RFD. A lot of people don’t realize it’s gotten very complicated.

“He (Mayor Schoettle) was the unsung hero. He dedicated his life to serving others,” Hutchinson said, adding “my heart goes out to Marsha (the mayor’s widow). The whole family will be in our prayers.”

Schoettle, 65, would have been 66 Sept. 19. He was mayor since September 2005, when he was elected by the City Council to fill the void by former Mayor Tom Gray.

He faced an opponent in this fall’s election for the first time. He was also mayor from 1992 to 1997 when he resigned for health reasons.

He was a retired firefighter and took the reigns as mayor when his predecessor retired for health reasons.

Schoettle is well remembered beyond his small community north of Rogers. He played Santa Claus for many years beginning at the Rogers Medical Center. Most recently, he was Santa at Community First Bank in Pea Ridge.

“He was always community minded, especially of Little Flock,” Justin Bradford, business development officer of Community First Bank, said.

“He was a very likable person. We had just talked about him playing Santa again.”

“He was a dedicated public servant, a good friend and colleague,” Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree said.

Schoettle’s name will remain on the ballot for the mayor’s race, according to Bill Williams with the Benton County Election Commission. According to state statute 7-5-315, the votes for the deceased candidate are counted. If he wins, a vacancy is declared and a run-off will determine who becomes the mayor.

He is opposed by Buddy Blue. “He’s a great guy and will be greatly missed,” Blue said. “I’ve known him for a long time.”

Renee Brace, recorder/ treasurer, will fill the position until the first of the year. Brace was appointed to fill the position after the former recorder resigned.

Community, Pages 6 on 09/08/2010