Bernard S. Schabel

Bernie was born to Julia and Steven Schabel on May 6, 1934 in Rib Lake, WI. He was one of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Steven Schabel, brother James and sister Gracie. He is survived by his sisters Betty (the late Adam) Bieniek and JoAnn (the late Tom) Siroin, and sister-in-law Nancy Schabel. He is survived by numerous loved nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. He was a graduate of Rib Lake High School. In his youth, he enjoyed playing basketball and was proud of playing in the State Championship game in Madison, WI in 1951. After graduation he moved to Milwaukee and got a job at AO Smith. After two years, he joined the army and served for two years. He moved back to Milwaukee and got a job working at Allen Bradley. He worked at Allen Bradley until he retired in 1985. After he retired he enjoyed a part time job at Ewald Automotive where he drove cars. The thing he loved most about this job was “shooting the breeze” with all the other retirees. He met Mary Ann (nee McCarter) Schabel at Eagle’s Ballroom. They married on February 15, 1958 and recently celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary. They enjoyed dancing, bowling and spending time with family and friends. He was a proud and loving father to four children Julie McGonigle, Steve and Diane (Neil) Foti and the late Rodney Schabel. He was the proud and loving papa to Tierney, Patrick, Nellie, Michela, Liam and an adored great grandfather to Kamiela and Kaleah. For the many who knew and loved Bernie he enjoyed telling jokes, making people laugh and smile. Most of all Bernie was loved by all his family and friends. He was often the life of the party. On his 70 th surprise birthday he shared many jokes and stories on stage filling the room with laughter. He had many verbal expressions and taught his grandchildren to say “nostrovia” and “stop enjoying yourself.” He often made many non verbal expressions to go with his witty personality! In his free time he loved to garden and often competed with family members to see who would get the “first tomato” of the season. He love to share his tomatoes and cucumbers, especially when his daughters gardens were not very bountiful! One summer a local community was running a contest to see who could grow the tallest corn stalk. Although he did not enter he decided to try it at home. He grew several cornstalks and enjoyed watching them grow. The corn was lousy and lacked sweetness but made up for it in height. He was proud the stalks grew over 7 feet high, much taller than Bernie! His daughters, Julie and Diane learned his love of gardening from him and enjoyed helping them with their gardens. He enjoyed spending time watching basketball and football with his son, Steve. He always took his walks in the morning and enjoyed walking with his wife, Mary Ann or his son Steve and his dog Benji! He had a knack for fixing things and was a handy helper to anyone in need and enjoyed teaching his son, Steve how to fix things around his house. He loved helping his daughters, Julie and Diane with “projects” around the house. He devoted himself to helping others while providing his fun loving spirit and great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching his grandchildren Michela and Liam since they were born. He often made things for the kids and enjoyed making wooden ghosts for Halloween in an array of colors requested by his grandchildren! The grandchildren learned how to tinker and build things from their papa. He once made a toy made out of wood and milk containers. We will miss your wonderful smile, kindness, loving heart and of course your fantastic sense of humor and jokes. Keep smiling, joking and laughing in heaven. Rest in peace until we meet again. We love you and miss you!

Bernard S. Schabel

March 10, 2018