W. Thomas Schemmel

W. Thomas “Tom” Schemmel of Zionsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and spirited storytelling.

Born in Ryan, Iowa, Tom graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and was active in his hometown community, often singing and playing piano at weddings and funerals. Working in his father’s drugstore in Ryan in his early years played a substantial role in developing his outgoing and helpful personality.

Tom earned a History degree from Marquette University in 1960, where he met his beloved wife, Ellen Roche. Married for 63 years, Tom and Ellen built a life together in Zionsville, raising their family and becoming cherished members of the community.

Tom was a longtime member of St. Alphonsus Ligouri Catholic Parish, where he served on the Church Building Committee, frequently and eloquently lectored at Mass, and prayed the Rosary with devotion. He was the Charter Grand Knight of the Mother of Perpetual Help Council of the Knights of Columbus and held several state-level offices. He was a passionate advocate for the sanctity of human life and participated in many events in support of the cause.

Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1967, spending 1963 in Vietnam as part of the Military Assistance Advisory Group and was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was committed to helping other veterans and organized a group of Knights of Columbus members who have consistently visited palliative care patients for many years at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

Professionally, Tom built a distinguished career as a career life insurance and annuity producer, earning numerous sales awards and recognition as both a qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He also served as a member and president of The General Agent’s and Manager’s Association of Indianapolis.

Civically, Tom was deeply engaged. He served as both member and president of the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Indiana and the St. Vincent Hospital Stress Center Advisory Board. He also was elected to serve as a member of the Zionsville School Board and was involved in important related initiatives, including the building of a new school.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, sailing, and feeding wildlife wherever he lived. He especially loved traveling with Ellen, exploring destinations across the U.S. and abroad. He was a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Marquette Golden Eagles.

Tom was the life of every gathering and always ready to lend a hand. He was beloved by family of all ages, including many nieces and nephews. Known for his warmth, humor, and storytelling, he was a favorite uncle and grandpa to many—some by blood, others by love.

He is survived by Ellen and their sons, William Schemmel (Luz Elena) of Cincinnati and Mark Schemmel (Maureen) of Greenwood. He was a devoted father, as well as a beloved grandfather to Carlos (Marissa), Olivia, Sadie, Isabel, Jillian, Dominic, Eli, Isaac, ChristiAnna, and great-grandfather to Mateo and Santiago. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Lawrence Schemmel and Beatrice Mary Schemmel; his sister, Margaret Welter; his brother, Bobby Schemmel; and his grandson, Sebastian.

Funeral Arrangements. On Friday, November 14, 2025, a Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 AM, followed by visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM, with a reception to follow—all at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, 1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, Indiana. The Mass will be live-streamed for those unable to attend (details below).

A private family burial will take place at a later date at St. Columbkille Cemetery in Astico, Wisconsin, the parish where Tom and Ellen were married.

Memorial Contributions. The family appreciates your support and requests that, in lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions, in any amount, be made to the following organizations: The Sebastian Schemmel Legacy Fund and the Midwest Jesuits.

The Sebastian Schemmel Legacy Fund (the SSLF), is a 501(c)(3) organization, created in memory of Tom’s grandson, which supports men’s mental health awareness through education and programming. Contributions will be used to establish a scholarship in Tom’s name for a Zionsville Community High School student committed to making the world a better place. Contributions may be made using envelopes provided at the visitation, mailed to The SSLF c/o William Schemmel, 6548 Copperleaf Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45230-2444, or via Venmo @SSLEGACYFUND. Please include the notation “TS-Scholarship” in memo section for check and Venmo contributions.

The Midwest Jesuits focus their mission around several apostolic priorities, including evangelizing contemporary culture, fostering collaboration with lay colleagues, ensuring the Ignatian character of schools, advancing scholarship, standing in solidarity with the poor, and promoting access to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Contributions to Midwest Jesuits may be made using envelopes provided at the visitation or by mailing a check to Midwest Jesuits, P.O. Box 6713, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6713.