Oregon Salem

Salem, Oregon Michael Eugene Schlag, a lifelong resident of the Salem area, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 15th, 2010. Michael grew up on his family’s farm, the “Owl Roost Ranch”, east of Salem at Howell Prairie.  The values of farm life and being self sufficient, instilled in Michael by his parents, stayed with him all his life.  After graduating from McNary High School, Michael began a career as a machinist.  He honed his skills working for McNary Machine in Salem for several years and in 1990 opened his own business, River City Machine of Salem, with partner Ron Burns.  Michael took great pride in helping his customers and friends rebuild machinery.  He came up with ingenious solutions to get equipment running again. Michael loved old machinery and over the years collected and restored antique cars, old gas engines, tractors and even owned a working steam locomotive.  He was a regular participant in Antique Powerland at Brooks, Oregon and was an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club and Model T Ford Club.  He possessed a wealth of knowledge on old machinery that truly amazed all who knew him. In recent years Michael returned to his roots with a rural home east of Salem and named his home the “Owl Roost Ranch” in tribute to the childhood home he loved so much.  He lived happily there with his dogs Kitty and Anna and his collection of antique cars. Michael is survived by his sister, Ann Baker, her husband, David, and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly. Remembrances may be made to the Ava Baby Dachshund Fund at the Willamette Humane Society, PO Box 13005, Salem, OR 97309. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends at Weddle Funeral Home in Stayton on Saturday June 26th.  For friends who wish to honor & remember Michael, another gathering at Western Antique Powerland will be held July 24, 2010 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Online Condolence can be made at Weddle-Funeral.com