1932
2019
Norbert P. Schemm
Appleton - Norbert P. Schemm, 87, of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. He was born in Appleton on June 2, 1932 to the late Otto and Adeline (Bosch) Schemm.
Norbert was a 1950 graduate of Appleton High School. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S Coast Guard from 1953-1956. On May 1, 1954 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joanne Raleigh at St. Patricks Catholic Church Menasha.
He coached Rec baseball and Little League, was involved with the Junior Achievement, and was also highly involved in the community. Norbert was a charter member at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, and was involved with many church ministries. He was employed by Wisconsin Electric Power Company for 42 years retiring in 1990.
Norbert is survived by his loving wife of 65 years; Joanne, 1 daughter; Paula (Steven) Buchholz, 3 sons; Thomas (Mary) Schemm, Robert (Deana) Schemm, John (Susan) Schemm, , 9 grandchildren; Mark (Liz) Buchholz, John Buchholz, Adam (Ellie) Schemm, Ryan Schemm, , Christopher (Staci) Schemm, Sarah Schemm, Laura (Kyle) Wiggins, Steven Schemm, Lynn Schemm, 5 great grandchildren; Annabelle, Audrey, Carter, Scarlett, Louie Schemm. He is further survived by 2 brothers in law; George Jr. (Sherry) Raleigh, Richard Raleigh, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Norbert is preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister and brother in law; Margaret (Lawrence) Kiel, father and mother in law; George and Maxine Raleigh, 1 sister in law; Ginny Raleigh.
Our dad was hardworking, strong, loving, kind, and gentle. He loved his family very much. He was not a man of great wealth, and yet he was a very, very rich man. He lived his life wealthy in his faith, the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ and now he is with Jesus in glory.
We admired our dad first and foremost for his love and commitment for our mother, his "one and only". And not just marital commitment, he was committed to making her happy. If it was important to her, it became important to him. They were happily married for over 65 years, and during his last days, his only concern was for mom's well being, and not his own impending mortality.
Family meant the world to him. He was truly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His final instructions to us were to love each other and take care of mom.
We also admired him because of the kind of father he was to us. Yes, he loved us…very much; but he also instilled in us a core value system that defined who he was, and that was a kind man who kept promises, honored commitment; a man of integrity. He showed strength and love right up to his last days with us.
We miss you dad. We love you dad. You are and forever will be our hero. God loves you and now you are home. We will see you again someday.
Memorial Mass for Norbert will be held on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH 2331 E. LOURDES DR. APPLETON, WI. Visitation will be held Friday morning at the church from 9:00 AM until time of Mass at 11:00 AM.
Thank You to the Medical and Nursing staff as well as the Chaplins at St. Elizabeth Hospital. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in Norbert's honor to one of these preferred organizations; St. Bernadette Catholic Church, American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.
Norb, You were my high school sweetheart and my first and only love. We had 65 wonderful years of marriage and blessed with a beautiful family. We will be holding hands again soon. Our love will remain in my heart. Love you always, Joanne
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.
My condolences to Joanne and the rest of the Schemm family. Norb was one special guy. We worked together at the power company and I always thought of him as my brother because he reminded me so much of my only brother who passed away much too young. They were both kind, considerate, and, caring with a fun sense of humor. I'm feeling so sad because the time got away from me and I missed his Mass. But we know he was warmly welcomed by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Judy Shaw
November 29, 2019
OMG....did not know you, but I wish you and your extended family the peace and healing you so deserve!! Take care!!!
November 27, 2019
We would like to pass along our condolences to the family and especially to Tom and Mary who we know. Loved the manner in which you celebrated his life to the very end and the resulting viral tweets from Adam's posting. I've never seen anything like that - the emotional outpouring that brought back loving memories. Thank you for sharing that. Tom, I enjoyed working with you my friend. You and Mary were so kind to our family. Sue and I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. Norb will be missed this Christmas but he has found peace. God Bless.
Bob & Sue Hayes
November 27, 2019
Saw the one last beer photo and so moved by the love in that picture. Norbert Schemm sounds like a wonderful, solid, loving man. I hope your cherished memories give you solace in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with so many!
Karen Stewart
November 27, 2019
a loved one
November 27, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of my friend Norb's passing. Norb and Joanne attended my fitness class at the Holiday Health Club for 10 years and they were loved by all the members and staff! I ran into Norb and Joanne last month at St Es and I am so glad we talked and hugged! Prayers for you Joanne, as well as your entire family!
Jen Schwartz
November 27, 2019
Best family to be around. Will miss them dearly. Bless all, all in Christ. Forever with the Father.
Josh Adams
November 26, 2019
Hello Family, I read how this obituary and my heart
Was filled with love, and sadness may God bless Norbert and his wife and children and grandchildren
I can understand loss of a wonderful Father, because
My dad was a hero to me and his family he is home
Safely
Maria Pugliese
November 26, 2019
My sincere sympathy to the Schemm family. I have many fond memories spent with Mr. and Mrs. Schemm on weekends when I would go home from nursing school with Paula. To this day I make my potatoes and onions on the grill like he showed me. I loved the picture of the beer and his boys, maybe he is sharing one in heaven with my parents. Enjoy the memories and know he is finally at peace with the Lord. Praying for you all.
Kathy Hansen Willmann
Kathy Hansen Willmann
November 26, 2019
My sincere sympathy to the Schemm family. I have many great memories of Mr. and Mrs. Schemm when I would go home with Paula on weekends from nursing school. They were a fun couple to be around and I am sorry I have lost touch with them. I still make my potatoes and onions on the grill like Mr. Schemm did! May you find comfort in the memories and know that he is at peace with our Lord. I loved the picture with the beer and boys, hope he is toasting a few in heaven with my parents!!
Kathy Hansen Willmann
November 26, 2019
Norb was a great neighbor whom I always respected as a child and admired even more as a grown-up. He was a wonderful example of a giving, caring man. He was a great friend to our family and will be missed by all of us. I will hold "Mr. Schemm's" memory in my heart for the rest of my life. He was a great guy. My thoughts and condolences to Joanne and the rest of the Schemm family.
Brad Grunert
November 25, 2019
A beautiful tribute to a great man. Proud to say I called him my friend. Condolences to the whole family, especially Joanne. We had some good times the three of us!
RIP Norb, heaven received a special angel !
Kris Otis-Czaplicki
November 24, 2019
To the Schemm family,
I was saddened to read of Norb's passing. You all have my deepest sympathy. Dad always spoke so fondly of Norb.
Sending hugs and prayers to all,
Sue McVey-Ring
November 23, 2019
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