Michael G. Schabow

Schabow, Michael G.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Michael G. Schabow "Mike" "Mikey", age 72, of Appleton, God fearing husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Cherry Meadows Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born in Appleton on March 23, 1943, to the late Norman and Mary Jane "Janie" (Marks) Schabow. On February 21, 1965, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ellen Staedt. The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Mike proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966. During that time he spent two years in Hawaii as part of the rifle and pistol team. He spent the other two years serving as coach on the rifle range in Parris Island, South Carolina, where he met fellow marine and now lifelong friend, Chuck Root. He was also a member of the National Guard from 1975 to 1977. Mike became a member of the honor guard serving with the American Legion Post 38 in recent years. He enjoyed singing with the Foxvalleyaires and also with the church choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton. Mike's singing took him to England, Scotland, and Wales with Congregational Church Choir in 1987. He participated in the Living Christmas Tree at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah and enjoyed going on two cruises to the Caribbean with Ellen in 2004 and 2005.

Mike worked at Albany International/Appleton Wireworks for 39 years until his retirement in 2005. He was a skilled woodworker that built toy boxes and doll houses for his grandchildren - he also worked with his son Rich and helped him open his own business, R&M Specialty Woodworking. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and was not afraid to show it. Mike enjoyed playing Euchre with friends, assembling puzzles, and ushering at Calvary Bible Church until his recent illness - but more than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends, always encouraging them to do their best.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Schabow; son Richard (Susan) Schabow; two daughters: Michelle (James) Klein and Tina Schabow; 8 grandchildren: Christopher (Breanna) Schabow, Kimberly (fiancé Jay Pivonka) and Amber Schabow, Alyssa and Nicole Klein, Abby, Josie, and Noelani Napier; a great grandson Nathan Pivonka; brother Mark (Lori) Schabow; brother-in-law Richard (Dawn) Staedt; 4 aunts: Helen Brehm, Marion Merkl, Jean Karweick, and Ila Schabow; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and also many lifelong friends. It meant the world to Mike to have the opportunity to spend time with all of these people at a recent anniversary celebration.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and mother and father-in-law, Harold and Lila Staedt.

A funeral service will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, September 24, at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Rd. Neenah, with Rev. Rick Ribble officiating. Friends may visit directly at the church on Thursday from 3:30 pm until the time of service. Full military honors performed by Appleton Legion Post #38 will immediately follow the funeral service. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the family and friends whom have held a special place in Mike's heart. Also a big thank you to Dr. Weiss and staff, Theda Care Cancer Center, Cherry Meadows Hospice, and family physicians Beth Menzel and Deb Schultz for taking care of Mike and keeping him comfortable through his fight with cancer.

As a way to honor Mike, the family invites all visitors to dress in patriotic colors.