Obituary of Francis Roman Schakelman

FRANCIS R. SCHAKELMAN, age 90 of Jefferson, passed away on Sunday October 5, 2014 at his home. He was born in the Town of Farmington on January 13, 1924 to Frank and Rose (Weissman) Schakelman. He attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and Church and Jefferson High School Francis served in the United States Army from 1942-1945. He was a Sargent T4 during World War II, and a member of the 10th Mt. Division from 1943-1945. While serving with this Division in Italy he received the Bronze Star. He married Marion Neipert of Jefferson on June 14, 1947 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Francis worked for Schweiger Industries from 1950-1979, he then became the Business Agent for the Upholsters Local 301. He was also an Upholsters International Union Auditor of the Health and Welfare fund of Philadelphia and was a delegate to the Upholsters International Union of Wisconsin and Illinois States Council and a Charter member of the Schweiger Employees Credit Union, which he co-founded in 1963. He then retired in 1986. Francis was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3589- Endl Gruennert of Jefferson, and the American Legion Post 164-Reinhardt-Windl of Jefferson. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and his grandchildren and being the "Box Man" at the Bon Ton Bakery. Francis was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parishes in Jefferson, and served as an usher and communion distributor, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society. He will be deeply missed by his family; Wife of 67 years Marion Schakelman of Jefferson. Three Children; Gary (Sheridan) Schakelman of Madison Kenneth (Tamara) Schakelman of Jefferson Cynthia (John) Radtke of Jefferson. Five; Grandchildren; Justin (Melissa) Schakelman, Chad (Brooke) Schakelman, Danielle (Jared) Cowley, Jessica (Joshua) Punzel, Zachary (Alison) Schakelman Four Step grandchildren; Jennifer (Jim) Kaiser, Marc Linse, T.J. (Christy) Linse, Mick (Mary Grace) Linse. Seven Great Grandchildren; Kensley, Calder, Beckett Schakelman, Leighton, Maliyah Cowley, Leland, Jack Schakelman. Eight Step Great Grandchildren; Max Linse, Sam Hebbe, Oliver, Nora Grace, Hannah Linse, Thomas Linse, Brodey Hunt, Finn Crystal. Sister; Jane (Robert) Lehmann, Sister in law; Margaret Wedl. He is preceded in death by his parents, Four sisters; Ruth (Elmer) Schuld, Margaret (Merl) Strode, Lucille Schakelman, Grace (Aaron) Aumann, and Brother in law; Paul Wedl Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon, on Thursday October 9 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating, burial with Military Honors will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral home in Jefferson with Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. A second visitation on Thursday will be at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those wishing to express sympathy through donations may direct them to St. John the Baptist Catholic School or to Rainbow Hospice You may visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in his memory.