Donald Christian Schad

Donald Christian Schad age 82 died at home surrounded by his family on January 2, 2011. He was born on August 17, 1928 at home in Frontenac, MN to Conrad and Florence (Hielscher) Schad. On October 2, 1970 he married Marilyn (Dahlstrom) and together they raised their 9 children in Lake City, MN.

First and foremost in his life was his family. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 40 years, Marilyn, his children and grandchildren: daughter Constance Hanson( Bob Dagitz) of Luray, VA -Ben and Alex; son Bruce (Margaret) Hanson of Moorhead MN - Erik, Elizabeth and Adam; daughter Diane (Bill) Siewert of Frontenac MN - Jeremy, Allison, Lucy and Vivian; daughter JoAnne (Brian) Gilmore of Winona MN - Emily & Aaron, Ellen & David, Casey, Kyle, Allison & Luke, Rachel, Lauren and William; daughter Mary Jo (Bob) Strauss of Winona MN - Sara & Brian, Michael, Maureen & Bradford; son Mike Schad (Diane Zimmerman)of Roseville MN - Andrew and William, son Don (Kay)Hanson of Lake City MN - Angela, Zack, Andrea & Larry, Ben, Keaton, Aiden and Aiyanna; daughter Jean (Chris) Miller of Lake City MN; and son Paul (Shauna) Schad of Rochester MN - Brea, Mackenzie and Alex. His family brought him much happiness.

Donnie attended McCahill School and transferred to Lincoln High School so he could play basketball. His love of basketball continued throughout his life as he was an avid spectator, fan and supporter of the Lake City Tigers. Donnie was a 34+ year season ticket holder of the MN State Basketball Tournament; in 1997 when he had cardiac arrest a friend commented "I guess they'll have to call off the tournament now". He was also a Big Ten Gopher basketball fan.
After high school he worked for the Oak Center Creamery, hauling milk. Donnie was a steel worker and helped to build the Mayo Clinic Building. He was a part time bartender for the Embassy Lounge (Beckman's Bar). For 49 years and 7 months he was a dedicated employee at Federal Mogul, where he worked as a time study analyst. He retired from this position in 2001.

Donnie was a Lake City Volunteer Fire Fighter from 1955 to 1985. He was very proud of his service. During his service he was instrumental in the creation of the pension program, involved in the hiring process and was a fire fighter trainer. He served as Secretary of the Southeastern Minnesota Fire Department Association for 17 years.

Donnie was a life long Lake City resident. After his retirement he volunteered as an election judge. He was happiest when he was sitting in his chair looking out at beautiful Lake Pepin. We know he's smiling down at us! Donnie is survived by his wife and 9 children, 31 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brother; Joe (Marge) Schad, sister; Rosemary (Dallas) Bradshaw, nieces and nephews, and foreign exchange daughter Silvia Boaga-Miles of South Africa. He was preceded in death by his first wife Alice (Michels) Schad and his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 21, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Lake City at 11:00 am with the Rev Darren Paulson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday January 20th, 2011 at First Lutheran Church from 4 to 7. Friends may also call one hour before the service at the church. Mahn Family Funeral Home Anderson-Peterson Chapel Lake City is in charge of arrangements.
On line condolences may be left at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com