Stewart O’Neil Schendel, 87, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at his home.
He was born to Rufus and Alberta (Rolfe) Schendel on May 2, 1936, in Dell, Wis. Stewert married Carole Aarstad on April 10, 1954.
Stewart’s parents owned a mink farm, and he began working with them at a young age and continued the family business until 1963. He and Carole moved to the Township of Jefferson, where they made their home ever since. In 1964, Stewart began working as the Jefferson Township Patrolman until 1972, when he moved to the Monroe County Highway Department. He retired in 2001.
Stewart was known by many as “Satch” or “Red.” If something needed to be fixed, built or refurnished, Stewart was the person to see. Restoring cars and fixing his favorite tractors (Ford) were a few of his specialties. He volunteered with the Cashton Fire Department for over 25 years. But mostly he loved being with his family. He will be missed by so many.
Stewart is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carole; nine children, Kurt (Bonnie) Schendel of Sparta, Wis., Kristy (Bill) Pope of Ohio, Keven Schendel of Onalaska, Wis., Karl (Anita Miller) Schendel of Sparta, Wis., Kim (Mike Brown) Mantzke of Sparta, Wis., Kelly (Suzanne Hoffman) Schendel of Sparta, Wis., Kerry Schendel of St. Louis, Mo., Kent Schendel of Cashton, Wis., and Karin Fronk of Ohio; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rosella Schendel; a brother-in-law, Claire Thomson; along with other relatives and friends.
Stewart was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Ryan Hemmersbach; two sons-in-law, Will Mantzke and Gary Fronk; and his siblings, Darwin Schendel, Harriet (Jim) Niebuhr, and Norma Jean Thomson.
Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cashton. Pastor Amanda Schultz Garcia officiated. Burial followed in the Moen Cemetery, rural Cashton. Family and friends were invited for visitation Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation also was held Monday at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
