John Schad

In Loving Memory of John Schad (July 2, 1961-December 11, 2023)

John Schad, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with a rare brain disease. He departed from this world surrounded by the warmth of his family's love on December 11.

Born on July 2, 1961, to Alois and Lillian (Riesterer) Schad, John's life was marked by a commitment to faith, family, and community. He was known for his patient disposition, quick wit, infectious smile, and kind and compassionate spirit.

John is survived by the people he loved to spend time with most: his devoted wife, Lynn, his sons, John David (Erin) and Greg (Andrea), and six adoring grandchildren, Josiah, Ava, Daisy, Jackson, Lily, and Solomon. John is also survived by 10 siblings and their spouses: Kathy (Mike) Pritzl, Frank (Connie) Schad, Tony (Marilyn) Schad, Theresa (Dave) Oakley, Carol (Danny) Riesterer, Alois (Renee) Schad, Larry (Michele) Schad, Sharon (Cary) Nate, Phil (Ann) Schad, Elaine (Bob) Graf. He is also survived by his inlaws, Gary and Micki Rooney, Diane Rooney, Dan (Julie) Rooney, Steve (Susie) Rooney, and Kim (Paul) Greenwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Lillian Schad.

He was always proud of his extended family and considered each of them a deeply-loved member of his circle. He was also honored to be chosen as a godfather for many of his nieces and nephews.

For the past 18 years, John called DePere his home, but he also spent many wonderful years in New Holstein and St. Nazianz.

In 1983, he married his wife, Lynn (Rooney) Schad, at Faith United Methodist Church. John and Lynn stayed happily married for over 40 years while living an amazing life together, filled with family, joy, laughter, and the truest love for each other. John explored the world with his wife, Lynn, creating lasting memories through their travels to Hawaii, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman, and the Dominican Republic. Even this year, while John was sick, he and Lynn continued their adventures as they traveled to Spain and Portugal.

John attended UW Oshkosh, Moraine Park, and JFK Prep, ‘79, where he made many lifelong friends. His career spanned several notable organizations, including Salvatorian Center, Ameriquip, Rockline, Jansport, and Saranac Glove Company, where he retired in April.

John also dedicated his time to various organizations, including New Holstein Boy Scouts, New Holstein Soccer Association, and Operation Christmas Child. His volunteer time was usually spent working to improve the lives of children who always had a special place in his heart.

John loved spending time outdoors. He found joy at the lake house, where he enjoyed quality time with family, talking smart around the bonfire, fishing, and riding on the pontoon. He also loved hunting with a very close-knit group of hunters from the Schad family.

Deeply rooted in his faith, John was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes and First United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Monday, December 18, from 4-7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, 1305 Lourdes Ave, De Pere, from 9-10am. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30am with Fr. James Baraniak, O.Praem officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in John’s honor:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow

Thanks to Unity Hospice and Home Instead for the special care provided.