Lawrence Schissel

Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Schissel, 91, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away August 12, 2026, just days before his 92nd birthday. Born August 23, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Larry was the son of Leonard and Beatrice Schissel.

Larry attended Loras College and the University of Iowa before serving honorably in the United States Air Force. He went on to a 31-year career in banking and internal auditing, working in California, Alaska, Illinois, and New Mexico. Leaving college, he went to San Francisco he went to work for Wells Fargo in Internal Auditing. Larry was in banking for 31 years working at Alaska state Bank, New Mexico Banquest Corporation, Santa Fe, NM, First National Bank of Santa Fe, Loss Alamos NM, and Los Alamos National Bank, Los Alamos NM and Bank Administration Institute in Chicago, Il. While in Chicago his focus was to develop classes and conferences for auditors across the country for certification – Chartered Bank Auditor and Certified Internal Auditor. This time allowed Larry to develop excellent people skills, building knowledge A strong advocate for education and mentorship, Larry took particular pride in helping women advance professionally. His commitment to education led to his appointment by Governor Gary Johnson to the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education.

Larry married the love of his life, Royanne, in 1965. They shared more than 60 years of marriage and raised two children, David and Aindrea. Family was at the center of Larry’s life. He enjoyed organizing family reunions, planning family adventures, and keeping relatives and friends connected through his memorable Christmas letters.

A lifelong devoted Catholic, Larry became a Knight of Columbus at age 18 and later achieved the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. His faith inspired many years of service to his church and community.

Larry loved travel, music, and automobiles. His travels took him throughout the United States and abroad, including pilgrimages to the Holy Land and visits to Rome. A lifelong automobile enthusiast and longtime member of the Santa Fe Vintage Car Club, Larry amassed a collection of more than 350 promotional cars.

Above all, Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a man of deep faith, and someone who valued family, education, humor, friendship, and adventure. His many stories—and the laughter that accompanied them—will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Beatrice Schissel; sister, Mary Hawes; brother-in-law, Gerald Hawes; parents-in-law, Don and Monica Donovan; and nephew, Thom Trigg.

He is survived by his wife, Royanne; son David and wife Anita; daughter Aindrea Lopez; grandchildren Donovan (Crystal) Schissel, Ashley (Dylan) Newport, Trevor Schissel, and Maddienne Schissel; and great-grandson Benjamin Newport. He is also survived by nephew Chris (Angelina) Hawes; niece Shawn (Matt) Hartung; nephews Michael (Molly) Trigg and Don (Cristin) Trigg; and sisters-in-law Karen (Steve) Weneck and Helen (Rick) Baer.

A Rosary and Eulogy will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 E. Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community, 11 College Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87508. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.