Donald Jerome Schildt

Donald J. Schildt – Born into Eternal Iife on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, age 86.

Beloved dad of Lisa Schildt (Paul Sohn), the late Susie (Mark) Rosenquist and Ron (Kelly) Schildt. Proud grandpa of Benjamin and Trevor Gloede, Hannah Rosenquiest, Colton and Kylie Schildt. Brother of Robert (Dorothy) Schildt and Beverly Sorenson. Special friend of Judy Meier. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Gertrude; his brother Leonard Schildt; and his brother-in-law, Louis Sorenson.

Don grew up in Racine and his love of fishing and sports started early. He often fished lake Michigan with his brother Bob, went to Cubs games on the train with his mother, and eventually played baseball at Park High School where he graduated in 1956. He went on to Lawrence University and graduated with a history degree in 1960.

He also enlisted in the National Guard in 1955 and proudly served his country. During his second tour, he was on active status at Ft. Lewis, Washington as a heavy weapons infantryman, and heavy vehicle driver during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-62.

His early career was in personal banking at the American Bank & Trust (now BMO) and finished his career with 25 years at Hypro as a business administrator, retiring in 2006. Always an avid sports fan, he rarely missed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and performances including football, baseball, volleyball, cheerleading and pom-poms.

He enjoyed going to Badger Football games, especially to watch his son Ron play in the UW Marching Band’s pregame concert at Union South, half time show and the famous Fifth Quarter. He often knew how the high school and college teams were doing long after his kids or grandkids graduated! He joined plays, musical performances, and other school events for his family – dad/grandpa was always there for you. His dream of the Cubs winning the world series during his lifetime came true in 2016. The long drought was finally over!

His retirement years were marked by walking daily, fishing, sporting events, skits, and coffee chats with his friends at Steeple View Senior Community.

A special thanks to the Azura caregivers and staff for taking such great care of Don this past year after he had a stroke. His radiant smile as he made his rounds to say hello, while snacking on cookies, will be missed.

Visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM, on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Inurnment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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