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Erich "Mel" Schuette
1960 - 2016
Erich "Mel" Schuette
1960 - 2016
Obituary
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Erich Schuette Obituary
Erich "Mel" Schuette , born March 24, 1960, died Friday, July 15, 2016. He was a beloved son, brother, husband and father who loved to spend time with his family and live an outdoor life.
Known as "Commander" in his high school days, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1978 and enjoyed a stellar bar volleyball career.
The "Mander Van" made many fine road trips to area volleyball tournaments -- the Cato Days parade will never be the same.
He attended the UW Manitowoc -Center where he was Student Senate President, a member of the Men's Tennis Team, and chairman of the Friday Afternoon Card Club.
He joined the Army in 1983 and served in Germany where he met his wife Heike. Together they lived both in Germany and the United States and had three children, Michelle, Markus and Sonja. During their time in Germany they developed a love of skiing. In 1997 the family moved permanently to the States, eventually settling in North Ogden, Utah, where Erich lived at the time of his death. Along the way he earned his Bachelors Degree of Administration and enjoyed a successful career with the Federal Government General Services Association, including two separate civilian deployments to Afghanistan.
Erich was known for many things: a wry sense of humor, a genuine interest in others, an appetite for adventure, an ability to tell wonderful stories, a love of fishing, skiing, kayaking and biking, and a devotion to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Heike, his children,
Michelle, Markus and Sonja, grandchildren Karmen and Kaleah, his mother Eileen Rider, brothers Willie (Zany) and Hans (Karen), sister Heidi Roach (Tim) and 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Schuette.
Private services will be held in North Odgen, Utah. We lost Erich to depression and PTSD; memorials can be made to the National Alliance to End Veteran Suicide at http://www.na2evs.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Loren Edward Pearce
July 13, 2025
We lived down the street from the Schuette's and our time there was greatly enhanced by having them as neighbors. Markus became my son Ammon's best friend and we enjoyed many outings with Erich, Markus and his family. I hope Heike and the kids are doing well. It would be nice to have a reunion in memory of Erich.
LOREN EDWARD PEARCE
July 13, 2023
It hardly seems possible that it has been 7 years. I recently saw Marcus at the pickleball courts, the years that Erich spent playing tennis with Marcus have paid off, Marcus is athletic like his dad and plays at a high level in the pickleball world. All my best to the Schuette family.
Nancy Hullum
November 8, 2016
Hello. My name is Nancy and I was stationed in Frankfurt, GE with Erich. Another fellow soldier named Chris Harrison sent this obituary to me about Erich's passing. This news floored me. Although I hadn't seen Erich since 1986 and hadn't talked to him since 1991, he was a friend to me. Erich was one of the kindest and soft spoken person I'd ever met. We worked together in the command section of V Corps and although the office was busy Erich always managed to inject humor in our days there. He used to run like the wind! I made the mistake of asking him one day when he arrived at the barracks if he went for a jog. He said, "I don't jog I run!" I never said "jog" again! Please accept my condolence for your loss. I am still stunned and hope and pray that veterans are well taken care of in our future days. I met his wife Heike when she and Erich were dating. Once again, I am very sorry for your loss.
August 17, 2016
This is truly a sad day for our neighborhood and for our country as well. He will be missed!
Leena and Jim Dawson
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Arleen Kinder
August 16, 2016
Arleen Kinder
August 16, 2016
Arleen Kinder
August 16, 2016
Arleen Kinder
August 16, 2016
Trent Nelson
July 25, 2016
Willie, Hans and families -
Amy and I send our deepest condolences for the loss of your brother, father, uncle and what seems to be heck of a guy. Please know that many in Manitowoc County are praying for healing during this tough time. Erich - thank you for your service to this fine country. God bless.
Trent and Amy Nelson
Loren Pearce
July 24, 2016
We were fortunate to live on the same street as the Schuettes and my son Ammon and their son Marcus became good friends. I remember the trips to Logan, Utah to watch Utah State basketball together. We felt enriched to know the Schuettes and they added a lot to the quality of the neighborhood. Erich has left an indelible mark on all who knew him. My deepest condolences and warmest regards,
Loren Pearce
Evelyn Bjorklund
July 23, 2016
Eileen and family, we are sorry to hear of Erich's death. We have many good memories of the ''growing-up' years of the kids on our 600 block in Manitowoc. Erich certainly has led an interesting and productive life...much too shortYou can be proud of the man he was.. Our love to you all. Dick and Ev Bjorklund.
Debra Mitchell
July 22, 2016
July 22, 2016
There are few people I remember meeting for the very first time, but he was one of them, 15+ years ago. What stood out for me then is how kind he was, helping as I swept my parents garage. Telling me how he and Heike fell in love with North Ogden when deciding the job to take and felt it was a "hidden gem". He was always the first neighbor to help shovel snow or dirt or whatever.
I will miss the fun visits Erich and Heike would make to St George. I will miss our fun and very meaningful conversations about faith and family, the things he valued the most. And how this big tough guy would choke up. And I will miss the spontaneous "modeling" pictures he would have Heike take:)
He was a "gem". His kindness, compassion for others and the ability to make friends so easily is the legacy he leaves. To know Erich is to know his family. I sure loved him. I will miss him.
July 21, 2016
I had the pleasure of taking a road trip with Erich from Denver, Colorado to Ft. Carson, Colorado for work. We and 2 other co-workers talked and laughed during the long ride down and back.
Erich spoke SO highly of his kids, and was very proud of the people they have become in this world. We also shared horror stories about teaching kids how to drive and the pain of paying for car insurance.
Erich had an amazing demeanor about him, and really took the time to listen when others were speaking. He had a presence that made everyone listen, and he really took the time to understand what he was presenting or talking about. He shared an amazing amount of work knowledge, and really wanted everyone to be successful.
We visited the Special Forces building, and as we left, he spent a little extra time there looking at the artifacts in the lobby. It was obvious he had a huge respect for everyone in that building and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
I am glad I had the opportunity to get to know him a little, and that trip will be forever in my mind. Being an Army brat, I fully understand the pressure put on people who sacrifice everything to keep our Country safe.
My thoughts and prayers to his family, close friends, and anyone else who was special in his eyes.
Todd/Cindy Hartman
July 21, 2016
May this candle always shine bright.
Cindy Shoulders
July 21, 2016
Willie, Zaney, Erich and Hannah, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear brother and uncle. It looks like he was a wonderful man. You and the family are in my heartfelt prayers. May Christ's peace surround you in His comforting embrace. God bless,Cindy Shoulders
Lee Stone
July 20, 2016
My name was left out of the condolences I sent previously (the one with picture of Powder Mtn ski area in Utah). I just want the family to know that everyone who skis Powder Mtn. and who knows Erich wherever they ski, will miss him so much.
July 20, 2016
Erich, may your spirit continue to brighten the slopes of Powder Mountain. You will sorely be missed by me and all of your many friends. You were truly a fun person and I'm glad I got to know you and be your friend. My condolences to your family.
Tara Mitchell
July 20, 2016
I knew Erich for many years...a dedicated and great coworker...truelly dedicated to serving. My thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be very missed.
Jim & Sharon Koenen
July 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We had the pleasure of meeting Erich through Heidi and Tim and he left a lasting impression on us. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace with our Lord.
gayle pierce
July 19, 2016
My condolences to Erich's family/friends. Thank-you so much for Erich's service to protect our Country. May memories & reflections, of stories being retold, be found comforting when moments are most difficult.
Todd Young
July 19, 2016
My Deepest Sympathy to Mel's family.
I knew Mel in High School and at the UW Manitowoc Center. You would have a hard time finding a more personable and fun person than Mel. Mel was flat out a great guy!
RIP.
Julie Schoshinski (Ertenberg)
July 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Although it's been years, I can clearly remember Erich's kindness and sense of humor. Wishing your family Peace and Strength during this difficult time.
Mike and Julie McCormick
July 19, 2016
For Mel...and to his love of life and family!
Coach Sam Macfarlane
July 19, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to this wonderful, wonderful family!I am deeply saddened by Mel's passing! He was such a wonderful man, so great with his children, and Heike! He always had a smile on his face and was so fun to be around! My deepest sympathy!Sam Macfarlane
Standing by the GSL
Ray Madsen
July 19, 2016
I only briefly new Eric from his job at GSA. I had met him a few times over the years as our careers crossed. I just wanted to offer his family my sincere condolences and thank them for his service to our country. God bless Erich and you all.
Kristen DeZeeuw-LaFond
July 19, 2016
RIP my friend. I have many fond memories of Mel and our Volleyball team back in the early 80's. We traveled to tournaments and had many laughs during our matches as well as inbetween matches. I also remember dancing with Mel at the local Disco. Unfortunately he tried to 'dip' me on the dance floor unsuccessfully. He felt so badly that he brought me a yellow rose to my home the next day.
My deepest condolences to the family. He was a gem!
July 19, 2016
My thoughts are with his family in Utah and of course Manitowoc. I knew him as a neighbor kid and a young guy in the early 80's. RIP.
Charlie Gilmore
July 19, 2016
Willy and Hans and family ~ my sincere condolences. Many memories...
July 19, 2016
I met Erich years ago and worked with him more frequently in recent times via email or chat. Erich was always kind and professional. He was a great colleague and will be missed.
Lovingly,
Charlene
Todd Cook
July 19, 2016
Erich was such a great person to learn from. We deployed together in 2013 for his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan. He was very knowledgeable and good at his job, he was great to have as a mentor. We talked daily and stayed in touch on occasion after returning back to the states. Erich will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to his wife, children and grandchildren. Keep an eye on us all from above Erich and help us make the right choices in life. Your friend!
With Love, Tyra
July 18, 2016
My heart breaks with such sad news of Erich's death. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord surround you with the peace and comfort that can only come from Him.
Geraldine Garcia
July 18, 2016
Condolences to the Family of Erich. As a co worker, I could tell he was intelligent, ambitious and cared deeply for his family. May god bless you and comfort you at this loss.
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