Lawrence Eugene Schacht

RACINE – Lawrence “Mike” “Gramps” Schacht passed away on Saturday July 25th, 2015 at the age of 89, at Becker Shoop Center in Racine. He was born in Somers, WI on March 21, 1926, son of the late Albert and Bertha (nee: Krohn) Schacht.  He was married March 1, 1947 to the love of his life, Bonnie (granny) Lou Murray. He joined the Army at age 17 and served in the European Theater of WWII.  He was wounded three times and received both the Military Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals. After the war, gramps worked as a sheet metal worker for Madsen Sheet Metal until retirement.

Mike and Bonnie (later becoming Granny and Gramps) welcomed two children into the world Michael and Jill Ann. Of course he continued to work, like anyone else, and raised two wonderful children. His time, in later years, was well spent sharing toasty winters in his Florida home with Bonnie and family and friends, only to come back for the long needed Wisconsin summer. Most of his days were enjoyed while running around Racine shopping for quirky things (he could always go for a bargain), and watching golf or playing with his golfing buddy and best friend, grandson Joe. The lasting impact that gramps made was thoroughly seen in his grandchildren, when he would spend hours playing and telling funny jokes between the family. Gramp’s passion could be seen in many ways. His dedication was ingrained in his children and their children and now his great grandchildren. The quote “You are what you love, not who loves you,” encompasses Gramp’s aura of compassion towards anything he loved. From Saturday nights spent with Wells Brothers pizza in his home, brought over by Joe and his family, to riding around on his motor scooter when he could no longer drive, gramps lived it all with pride. The most remarkable thing to be stated about such a kindred soul is that even after all that growing old causes and changes a person, Gramp’s spirit still shone bright through his humor. Mike “Gramps” Schacht has lived a million different lifetimes in one and experienced so many transformations of the world around him. Although, his life is now regarded in the past tense, Gramp’s memory will never die; for they say you will die twice, once when you leave this earth and once when your name is last spoken of. Gramps will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for his impact upon the people whom he loves is too great and can be seen longer than any fleeting moment. 

He is survived by his wife: Bonnie Lou Schacht; son, Michael Schacht; daughter, Jill Ann (Ernie Gdisis) Gould all of Racine; grandchildren, Joe (Christine) Gould of Racine, Gina (Jason) Peek of Oklahoma, Andy (Christie) Gould of Lake Geneva, and Brett Schacht of Florida; eight great granddaughters, Marly and Emerly Gould of Racine, Jenkins and Hampton Peek of Oklahoma, Joelle and Gracie Gould of Lake Geneva, Stephanie and Kelsey Schacht of Florida; special nephew, Dennis and Bonnie Curnes of Kenosha; and other nieces and nephews and friends. He was also preceded in death by his twin sister Lorraine, they were known as “Mike and Ike”, hence the nick name of Mike. Additionally, he was preceded in death by 4 sisters and 5 brothers.

A public visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. Lawrence will be laid to rest in a private service with military honors at West Lawn Memorial Park.

Special thanks to Dr. Ned Mejalli and Julie for all of their wonderful care for Gramps, and his Becker Shoop caretakers. Super special thanks to neighbor Al for all of his help. It is appreciated more than we can put into words!

Gramps:  “If I don’t see you in the spring…..I’ll see you in the mattress.”  Love you!