IRON MOUNTAIN — Robert “Butch” Schinderle is the newest member of Iron Mountain City Council.

The council Monday appointed Schinderle, formerly a funeral director and now an employee of Verso Corp., to fill the Ward 3 seat after Amanda List resigned. Only Schinderle expressed interest after the city advertised the vacancy.

His appointment, which was unanimous, is for the rest of the existing term that expires in 2021.

Schinderle is a 1992 graduate of Iron Mountain High School. He has an associate’s degree in architecture technology from Ferris State University and is a graduate of the Worsha College of Mortuary Science in Chicago.

He founded a local pet cremation service, which he still owns, and is part owner of a funeral home in Crystal Falls. After working more than 20 years as a funeral director, he accepted a position at Verso last fall.

“I will focus on community safety, supporting the Iron Mountain School District, developing opportunities for new businesses and support for our existing businesses,” he said in his letter. “I will promote responsible fiscal decision-making and focus on what is in the best interest of the city and its residents.”

In other action, council member Kyle Blomquist encouraged residents to consider applying to serve on the Iron Mountain Planning Commission, a five-member board that has vacancies.

In addition to setting long-term goals for land uses, the commission makes recommendations on zoning issues. It meets on the second Monday of each month.