Lucille Schendel

Schendel, Lucille “Lucy” “The Old Bag” “Lucille Ball” “The Pest”

Mrs. Lucille Schendel, age 75 of Franklin, WI was called to Heaven Thursday, November 23, 2017 at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Redgranite, WI on August 18, 1942, the daughter of the late Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth Tessaro. Lucy lived on a farm in Redgranite prior to moving to West Allis (Milwaukee).
Lucy married John Schendel Sr. on February 8, 1964 at Grace Lutheran Church in Berlin, WI. In March of 1972, shortly after purchasing their first home, they joined Martin Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. John and Lucy enjoyed traveling and together they visited all 50 states. Their travels included antelope hunting in Wyoming, where Lucy would act as the decoy while John was in charge of the gun. Every Christmas John and Lucy took great joy in becoming Santa and Mrs. Claus for their grandchildren. John and Lucy enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Milwaukee, as well as their cottage in Redgranite. They were married for 43 years before John passed away in 2007. Lucy was employed as a CNA at Villa Clement retirement community for 25 years. She had multiple hobbies which included quilting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Lucy gave away hundreds of homemade slippers, washcloths, hats, scarves, and quilts. Her crocheted dish scrubbies were always a specially prized present. Lucy had a gift for remembering birthdays and loved to send homemade cards, which often contained a sprinkling of confetti. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and family, many of her skills were taught to her by her two sisters. Homemade Pizzelle cookies were given to many, but you needed to get the cookie container back to her if you wanted a refill. Lucy was always up-to-date on the current Brewer score and often had the game on in the background when working on a puzzle. Lucy was a savvy bargain shopper and loved to spend an afternoon with friends hunting for treasures at second-hand stores. Bird watching was another one of her pastime activities, and she really enjoyed finding new and unique ways (including using a Slinky) to keep the squirrels out of the bird food. She often babysat for her furry grandpuppy, Candy, while her son David was traveling. Lucy was known for the many bangle bracelets she wore, and they could be heard jingling against each other as she went about her day. She always had a smile on her face and because her life touched so many, she will be with us forever.

Lucy will be greatly missed by her sons and daughters, David Schendel (fiancée Deb Pontius) of Spring Lake, Deborah (Steven) Wiedenfeld of Franklin, John Jr. (Kimberly) Schendel of Muskego, Jeannette (Daniel) Thom of Mount Morris, and Mark (Colleen) Schendel of West Allis. She was a special grandma to eleven grandchildren, Lloyd Schendel, Brent (fiancé Reggie Rush) and Brandon Wiedenfeld, Jennifer (fiancé Tim Koehler), Brittney and Kaitlyn Schendel, Bobbie, Kyle, Collan (Jenna) and Mackenzie Thom and Viola Schendel. Lucy was great-grandma to Bianca, Konnar, Jack and Dylan. She is also survived by her brother Paul Tessaro of Redgranite and sister Antonette Kracht of Wautoma; brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Joseph Tessaro Jr. of Redgranite, and Josephine Barnowske of Berlin.

There will be a Memorial Visitation for Lucy’s relatives and friends to gather, share memories and celebrate her life Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME in Greenfield, WI followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Keith Johnson will officiate. In place of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated.

Heritage Funeral Homes
4800 S 84th St. (414)281-5533
Greenfield, WI 53228
Guest Book and Directions
heritagefuneral.com