Russell Schad

Russell Schad, known to his loved ones as “Russ”, peacefully passed away on July 28, 2024, in King George, Virginia, at the age of 87. He was born on September 28, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Charles Conrad and Viola Emily Pearl (nee Saubert) Schad. Russ was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. He had a way of connecting with anyone he met, whether sitting down with them in the lobby, traveling, or eating in restaurants. Russ started conversations with everyone, flirted with all ladies, exchanged stories and got everyone around him to smile and laugh. Russ was everyone’s favorite and genuinely enjoyed people from all walks of life. His life- long love, however, was Mary, whom he met by happenstance at a party. Russ and Mary were inseparable for nearly 60 years when Mary passed away last year on 04 August 2023. Russ had a multifaceted career. Following the footsteps of his father who served as a dentist in the US Navy in World War II, Russ entered the US Army in 1956 as a radio operator tech specialist until 1962. After an honorable discharge, Russ graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 1963 with a B.S. in Economics and began working for Shell Oil Corporation as a salesman. Russ married the love of his life, Mary Jeanne Lewis on September 28, 1963 in Milwaukee, WI. While raising a family of four in Fond du Lac, Russ earned his real estate broker license and began his own highly successful real estate business, Schad Realty. Russ was heavily involved in the communities where he lived. He served as President of the Fond du Lac Board of Realtors, charter member and President of the Fond du Lac Lions Club, a Master Mason and Noble of The Mystic Shrine, an active member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, and member of the VFW. He ran for city council and supported local youth for years as a youth hockey coach with the FDL Blue Line Hockey Program. Russ earned a computer programming degree from Moraine Park Technical College and moved with Mary to Silver City, NM where he worked for several years managing computer systems and accounts for a special needs community program and a physician’s office until he retired. Outside of his professional life, Russ was a natural athlete and fierce competitor, known for running numerous races (9 minute miles at the age of 57!), bowling, golfing, softball, fishing, and dancing. Everyone at family weddings knew it was not a wedding unless you danced with “Uncle Russ”! Russ also enjoyed playing cards, and could read the cards before they were played. Together with Mary, they established the first ever King George Community Center Thursday afternoon card group after they moved there in 2018. Ever supportive of his fellow veterans, Russ joined the King George VFW SGT Nicholas C. Mason Memorial Post 12202. Russ had many enduring relationships with high school and college friends, and his “poker buddies” whom he met throughout his storied life. Most important to Russ, however, was family time with numerous nieces, nephews, and especially his children and grandchild in whom he had such pride. Russ will always be remembered for his love of road trips and new adventures, experiencing new cultures, and living life to the fullest. He was proud to say he visited every state and territory in the United States except for American Samoa. He is survived by their children, Tiffany Ann, Andrea Marie, Emily Corinne and her husband Antonio Boiardi, Jason Charles and his wife Daisy (nee Vargas), and their son Hayden Charles Schad. Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, parents, and his siblings, Elaine Papez (Schad) and Charles Schad. A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1 PM, with a memorial service to follow on September 28th, at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 1621 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401. A celebration of his life will occur Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Brock's Riverside Grill, 503 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, after the service. We encourage family and friends to come together to share stories, trade laughs, and lift a toast in memory of Russ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) or the Heart Failure Research Foundation. Russ’ legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.