Marcus E. Schuette

Marcus Eugene Schuette, 77, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, with family by his side.

He was born on June 28, 1948, in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Paul and Elvera (Dickmander) Schuette. Marcus was a 1966 graduate of Napoleon High School.

He will be remembered as a man of integrity, dedication and simple pleasures, who built a life around service to his country, a skilled trade, and the land he loved.

A Life of Service and Skill: At the young age of 18, Marcus proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for seven years earning the Staff Sargent ranking. During his service he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base and deployed to Vietnam and Thailand.

Following his military service, Marcus continued his technical skills to a successful career as a machinist. He worked for The Automatic Feed Co., and in 1983 he began working for Gray Steel Fabricating and Machine, Inc, in Napoleon, Ohio.

He was one of the "original" machinists that followed Gray Steel Fabricating and Machine, Inc., to Pettisville, Ohio. He continued to work there until 2000 when they closed. Marcus then worked for Koester Corps. in Defiance and Napoleon until he retired in June of 2010.

He took great pride in his machining work and even enjoyed small side jobs in his own shop. There wasn't anything Marcus would say no to doing, if there was a will, there was a way.

Life Beyond the Uniform(s): Throughout his life, Marcus also embraced the calling of a part-time farmer. He found peace and purpose working the "back forty" of many different crops for the livestock that he and his family raised on the family farm.

When not in the machine shop, barn, or the fields, Marcus could often be found "tinkering" on something. He would try to find ways to make something just a smidge better; always working smarter not harder.

Finally, he could also be found spending time with family and friends. He was so proud and enjoyed the last 15 years with his youngest grandson.

Marcus is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jolene; daughter, Katie (Robert) Morrison of Napoleon; step-daughter, Dana Knauf of Toledo; and step-son, Dustin Taylor of Napoleon; grandchildren, Samantha Knauf of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Janie (Marty Englert) Taylor of Cincinnati, Sarah Knauf of Toledo, and Ty Morrison of Napoleon; great-grandson, David Steinke III of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; brother, Herbert (Kimberly) Schuette of Delaware, Ohio; as well as a wide network of family and friends.

Marcus also has two daughters, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that all stem from an earlier marriage.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elvera Schuette, and son-in-law, Ronald Knauf.

Family and Friends are invited to attend the visitation at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation prior to services. Full military honors will be accorded following the service. Interment will be at a later time.

Marcus' last wish was that memorials be given to Jesus Builds, Shriners Hospital, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.