August 22, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Richard E. Schemmel, 88, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on August 21, 2018 at St. Joseph Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on June 27, 1930 in Beaver Dam to Erwin and Mildred Schemmel (Rabehl). He was united in marriage on October 29, 1955 to Leona Gundrum at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allenton.
Richard graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1948. Richard was a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Later, his family moved to West Bend where we met his future wife, Leona. He had a 45 year career as a tool and die maker at Picks Automotive in West Bend. Richard and Leona built their home in 1957 and welcomed their first son, David, in 1958; followed by John in 1960, Lori in 1962, Julie in 1968 and Mary in 1972. Richard was great with his hands and was a master carpenter and craftsman. He enjoyed fishing and camping, but what was most important to him was his family. Family always came first.
Those Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Leona; 4 children, David (Sue) Schemmel, John Schemmel, Lori (Gary) Zahn, and Julie Schemmel; 5 grandchildren, Christopher (Allison) Zahn, Andrew (Tabethe) Schemmel, Joseph Schemmel, Mary (Ryan) Kramer, Daniel Schemmel; 6 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, June Stracka; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in by his daughter, Mary Schemmel and brother-in-law, Charles Stracka.
Funeral Service for Richard will be held at 1pm on Monday, August 27, 2018 at Myrhum Patten Miller Kietzer Funeral Home (1315 W Washington St. – West Bend, WI 53095) with Father Pat Heppe officiating. Interment at Holy Angels Cemetery in West Bend.
Richard’s family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.