David P. Schemel, age 61, of Racine, WI died on Monday, December 1, 2020 at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine, WI.
David was born in Racine, WI on January 25, 1959.
David attended Racine schools where he played football and wrestled for Racine Lutheran High School. David later received a degree in Welding from Gateway Technical College.
On September 17th, 1983 David was united in marriage with Ann Schumacher in Edgerton, WI. David and Ann recently celebrated 37 wonderful years of marriage together.
David recently retired from SC Johnson Wax Co. after being an employee for over thirty-five years working in various departments. David enjoyed spending time with his family and going on yearly fishing trips in northern Wisconsin. David was a born hobbyist and enjoyed building replica models over the years. Davids replica work was so skilled he was invited to showcase some of his work in various museums. In retirement David found a passion for firearms. David began practicing his marksmanship skills at the local gun range. David was known for always having a good sense of humor. David also had an affinity for cooking and baking. David was always testing new creations in the kitchen, but was remembered most for his chocolate chip cookies, which he brought with to any event.
Survivors include David’s wife Ann; his two daughters, Abbey (Lindsey Gwinnup) Gwinnup, and Sara (Jared Keul) Schemel; his grandchildren Kenzie and Lynden Gwinnup, his sister Becky (Gary Fish) Fish as well as many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents William and Martha (Van Vilet) Schemel, brother George Schemel and son Billy Schemel.
Funeral will be held privately.
Melissa and Chris Condon says
Ann, Sara and Abbey, we are beyond sorry for your loss of your husband and father. David was a truly amazing man and such a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a great and much loved friend for eighteen years and we are grateful to have had him in our lives. David was selfless, caring, funny, and always there for everyone in his life. He was truly one of a kind. David will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.
shannon may says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Monica and Trista vilona says
Our thoughts are with your family,
I’m sorry to hear that a great father was lost. Abbey, we love you.
Dorothy Feeney says
I have fond memories of David as a neighbor and friend. The Schemel family enriched our lives on Carmel Avenue. David was special in his talents and interests. I remember saving the foil for him from wine bottles for his model airplanes and I still have the pan lid he mended for me. I am grateful that David was in our lives and though we didn’t see them often I still regarded hm as a friend. He and Ann were there for us when we needed emotional support.
Rest In Peace, David.
Tristan and Amy Pearson says
We are so sorry for your loss. David was such a fun and kind man and took us in like family when we moved to Racine and he found out we were related to the Matzes. His joy and kindness is something we hope to always emulate.
Dan & Mary Sawisky says
Ann, we are so sorry to hear of David’s death. Mary and I both worked with Dave at “The WAX”. He was a hard worker and good all around person. We will miss seeing him in the JMBA pool exercising. God bless and may God’s love and grace carry you through this sorrowful time.
Nanette and Greg Mayer says
Ann, Abby and Sarah – So sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed chatting with you two at Animal Crackers. He will be missed.
Tom Chernouski says
Knew Dave well from work. Always enjoyed conversations with Dave! Sincere condolences to the family. RIP Dave!!
Mike Eschmann says
Shared so much time at SCJ with Dave. We had many many laughs in B-51. He will be missed.
Chad Gayhart says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dave was a pleasure to work with. He had a way of making even the worst days more enjoyable with his humor. I can’t think of a day when he didn’t make me laugh. I’m in shock. He is, and will always be missed.
Ernie Desotell says
Wow … very sorry to hear this I met Dave when he was a maker in building 60. I was on the glade line at the time… 😕
Stuart McGregor Sr. says
Ann, I don’t know if you remember me. Dave and I were friends through scouts. Dave was a huge influence in my life as a child. I often think of him especially when I’m back in Racine. I think of him when ever I here Harry Chapin as he started me out in folk music. As I say my prayers tonight I will remember him fondly. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dan May says
What a huge loss. I was fortunate to have met Dave through a few projects early in my career that involved Dave’s chemical processing area. I had lots of questions, and Dave, as you suspect, had plenty of answers…even before he addressed my questions. I could always count on Dave for good information and guidance. But more importantly, he was always there for comic relief or just to put things into perspective during stressful times. A true friend that will be missed by many.
Ann, Sara and Abbey, the May’s will be praying for you during this difficult time.
Dave…miss you buddy and rest in peace!
Carmella Richards says
To David’s family – so sorry for your loss. Dave was a hard worker and a great all around guy. He kept all of us in line at work by speaking up when he saw that something wasn’t right. He was super helpful, kind and always made me laugh in one way or another. So sad that he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement for as long as he deserved and that you lost him way too soon….
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be greatly missed, but I am grateful for the really nice memories. May he rest in peace.
Thomas and Kay Strommen says
so sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Ken Cuatt & Mary Hart says
We are so sorry for your loss. Mary and I have many fond memories of great conversations with Dave and Ann. He will be deeply missed.
Don Renguette says
Ann, Sara, and Abbey. My family and I are deeply saddened by losing Dave. I worked with him for years in B51. We were on different shifts but I spent time with him everyday. We were the same age, took the buy out and retired together. I had planned on getting together for a celebration with him after things get back to normal. It’s heart breaking to know that it will never be possible. Dave was a joy to work with and laugh with. He will be sincerely missed. Dave had a big heart, and stepped up for my family (as did Ann) when my daughter Carly suffered a life changing injury. I know this is a difficult time for all of you. Please feel free to reach out to me and my family if there is anything we can do to help during this time. David, rest in peace my friend.
Kay Ferguson says
To Dave’s Family – I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I worked with Dave for many years at Waxdale and was the engineer in his area. He and I shared the love of books and would trade recommendations. He was wonderful to work with and very helpful and knowledgeable on so many things. He always spoke about his family with such love and pride. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May he rest in peace.
Cathy Kantowski says
Dear Schemel Family,
Sorry to read of the passing of your husband and dad. He was truly a beautiful person with a heart of gold. I worked with Dave throughout the years while in Environment then Safety.
Words alone cannot express the magnitude of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Take Good Care,
Dean Hervat says
Hope your next stop has plenty of hobby shops with all the glue and kits your heart desires.
Susan Sparks Gehrand and family says
Ann, Sara, Abbey and family, I was so sorry to hear this news. Dave was a good swim buddy and coworker. I think of the times we worked on new launches and projects in B51. Dave was always ready with an idea or insight. His Santa hat at Profit Sharing was my landmark for the Processing crew. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.