Lula J. Schoen

1918 - 2016

Schoen, Lula J.

Lula Josephine Schoen, 97, of Stockbridge passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Atrium Post Acute Care of Chilton. Lula was born December 9, 1918 in Stockbridge, daughter of the late Lewis and Ruby (Hostettler) Gerhartz. She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1936. She attended a Beauty Academy in Appleton and studied cosmetology thru 1937, but put that job on hold to raise a family. Lula married Howard (Hike) Schoen on July 13, 1938. They farmed together for many years near the shores of Lake Winnebago where they raised their four children. Howard preceded her in death in 1975.

Lula was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Stockbridge, Christian Mothers and belonged to the Calumet Medical Center Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteering in the hospital gift shop for many years.

She was employed at Foley Aluminum as a production worker for 20 years until her retirement in 1981.

She loved to travel on her own and put Alaska, Fatima, The Vatican, and Lourdes at the top of her list. Lula found a good travel companion in John Griner. He accompanied her around the United States - Florida to California. Lula had an active social life. She loved bridge and a good game of sheepshead. Every Friday morning you would find her with "the church ladies" drinking coffee at the Mud Creek Café.

Wednesday night supper was her time to cook for any family member who would show up. No one left her home hungry. Her specialty was surprise cookies.

Survivors include her daughters Carol Lee (Erv) Selk of Chilton, Diane Ely of Hilbert, a son Denis (Susan) Schoen of Granite Bay, CA, a daughter-in-law, Mary Hauser, 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, two sisters, Bernita (Robert) Perry, Donna (Jack) Comerford, two brothers, Marvin (Phyllis) Gerhartz, Lyle (Betty) Gerhartz; 2 sisters-in-law: Ruth Gerhartz & Mary Jane Gerhartz; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Lula was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Schoen; a son-in-law, David Ely; grandson, Lee Buechel; two sisters, Armella (R.A.) Thiel and Irmine (Donald) Denslow; infant sister, Althea Gerhartz; two brothers, Delmar Gerhartz and Gary Gerhartz; and a sister-in-law, Arline (Edgar) Daun.

Funeral service will be at 11:30am on Monday, October 10, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church (120 Davis Street) in Stockbridge with Rev. Michael Betley and Deacon Steve Vande Hey officiating. Burial will be at the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00am to 11:15am.

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Lula J. Schoen.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Atrium Post Acute Care of Chilton for the excellent care they gave Lula and her family during her time as a resident.

Online Condolences wietingfuneralhome.com