September 1, 2020 – Town of Wayne, WI – Alton R. Schrauth, 92, of the town of Wayne, passed away at his home on Monday, August 31, 2020, with his family at his side.
Alton was born on September 28, 1927, in Fond du Lac, the son of the late Daniel and Josephine (nee Weiglein) Schrauth. On June 19, 1947, he was united in marriage to Doris Krieser at St. Kilian Catholic Church. Doris preceded Alton in death on July 14, 1972. On September 5, 1981, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Rinzel at St. Kilian Catholic Church.
Alton farmed the hills around St. Kilian all of his life. He was a dairy farmer until 1986 when he sold his cows but continued to cash crop. He retired that at the age of 72. His main goal in life after his family was to see as much of the world and the United Sates as possible. So, his adventures included a trip to Alaska, a visit to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Ireland was not on his list but his wife, being of Irish heritage, encouraged a trip to the Emerald Isle which turned out to be one of his favorite excursions. He saw a large portion of the United States, especially going out West and living the westerns which he loved to read. He also loved the greater north woods of Wisconsin.
Alton did love to read; when sitting if there wasn’t a card game in action, he would have a book, paper, or periodical in his hands. His favorite reading material was books written by Louis L’Amour. Playing cards was another love. The game of sheepshead was his favorite but he would play any card game if approached. He was a brilliant card player – taking everyone’s money. His greatest enjoyment however, occurred when his family came to visit. Whether helping in the garden or just coming to see him and possibly establishing a card game gave him great joy. He did love his family.
Those Alton leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Rosemary; nine children, Mary, Donald, Sandra (Ron) Hawig, Charlie, Billy (friend, Dennis), Randy (Cheryl), Nancy, Patty (Mike) Mattes, and Mark (Rachel) Schrauth; 10 grandchildren, Tim (Mandy) Hawig, Scott (Rachel) Hawig, Sara (Tim) King, Jeremy (Katie) Schrauth, Brad (Ashley) Schrauth, Jim Schrauth (Jen), Ashley Schrauth, Ross Mattes, Eagan, Adelaide, and Olivia Schrauth; 11 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Grace, Liam, and Simon Hawig, Macy, Nolan, and Avery King, Carson, Viola, Grace, and Marley Schrauth; his brother and sister, Lloyd (Linda) Bonlender and Diane Flasch; his in-laws, Betty Schrauth, Marian Krieser, Lynn Rinzel, Maureen (Steve) Hein, and Joe (Cathy) Rinzel; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his first wife and parents, Alton was preceded in death by a brother, Elroy Schrauth; a sister, Lyla Jean (Orville) Kreilkamp; six brothers-in-law, Robert Flasch, John (Evelyn) Bodden, Glen (Arlene) Gutjar, Ken Krieser, Vernon Krieser, and Larry Rinzel; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Rinzel; and Guadalupe Figueroa.
Due to current restrictions, a private Mass with Rev. Jacob Strand officiating will be held for Alton’s family at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum.
A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Alton’s life will be held at a later date at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum, date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Trinity Catholic School or the Saint Francis de Sales Seminary is appreciated.