Suzanne "Jewell" Schatt

Suzanne Schatt, beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the age of 80.

Suzanne was born on November 29, 1944, in Celina, Ohio, to Forrest ("Frosty") and Glendola Jewell, along with her twin sister Luanne. They moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1945. A third daughter, Linda, joined the family in 1946. Suzanne married her college sweetheart, Dennis Schatt, in July of 1966. Together they had three children and welcomed nine grandchildren. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary before Dennis's passing in 2022.

Suzanne's life was marked by her love of God and her devotion to her family. Her early days were often spent at the church, singing in the girls' choir, attending Sunday school, helping with Vacation Bible School in the summer and joining Luther League after Confirmation. She excelled in school, and was known for her aptitude for spelling, which continued to her final days, when she was known to correct the spelling of the staff at her residence. She graduated with the class of 1962 from Elmhurst High School and went on to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1966. She went on to be a teacher for many years, until she joined Fireman's Fund (now Humana) as a legal analyst, where she worked until she retired.

Suzanne continued her life in the church as a joyful and active "Pastor's wife", a distinction she proudly shared with friends, coworkers and really anyone she met. Dennis and Suzanne moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1972 to serve the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church for 35 years. She was ever present at every church function and was a beloved leader of the church family. She was a constant presence at St. John – Quilting circle, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, playing the organ, leading Bible study – wherever there was a need, Suzanne was there. One of her greatest joys was leading Vacation Bible School, creating a week-long adventure in faith for the youth of the congregation as well as other kids from the community who didn't want to miss out on the fun. She was thrilled that her grandchildren drove all the way from Minnesota several times just to participate. She was also famous for the annual "open house" she would host every year before Christmas, where the entire congregation was invited to her house to enjoy coffee, cookies and fellowship. She would bake hundreds of cookies of all varieties, and the house would fill with friends and families enjoying the treats and savoring the tastes, smells and sounds of the season. It was the culmination of weeks (months?) of preparation, which she was quick to point out was often spent hiding and protecting the goodies from her scavenging children. She loved her church family dearly and always felt it was a privilege and joy to live life alongside them.

Suzanne had many passions – her garden was always filled with vegetables of all kinds. Her flowers around the house were beautiful and well attended. She loved her weekly brunch after church with her friends. Her bookshelf and nightstand were full of books to read and if she ever sat down to relax, which wasn't often, you could be sure there would be a book in her hands. She was also an avid historian and volunteered for many years at the Ashwaubenon Historical Society. Sewing, cooking, cub scout den mother – Suzanne was always busy. But her greatest passion was her family. She loved her parents, sisters, husband, children and grandchildren dearly and put them above all else. Driving to Indiana in the middle of the night to celebrate Thanksgiving with family was not uncommon. Summer vacations were planned to ensure time was spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her grandchildren filled her with joy. She had an uncanny ability to choose creative birthday and Christmas presents for each one that were unique and special to that child. Although her memory eventually began to fail her, she always remembered her grandchildren and she would light up when they were around. She was truly a saint and the love she showed her family will keep her memory alive forever.

Suzanne is survived by her sons Robert Schatt and Steve (Amy) Schatt; daughter Kristin (Chris) Daniels; nine grandchildren Benjamin, Emma, Sophia, Julia, Joshua, Isaac, Alex, Connor and Clara; sisters Luanne and Linda; nephews Brian and Eric; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Glendola Jewell, and her loving and devoted husband Rev. Dennis Schatt.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on August 16th at St. John Lutheran Church, 2700 Babcock Rd., Ashwaubenon, WI with Pastor Josh Fite officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am at the church until the time of the service. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Ashwaubenon.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com. Memorial gifts can be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Fund for Leaders by going to https://www.elca.org/fundforleaders or ELCA, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. The family would like to thank SummerWood of Plymouth for their compassionate care of Suzanne over the last two years.

The Lyndahl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.lyndahl.com