- Donald Ervin Schabo, 79, of Appleton, died Thursday, November 2, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born February 16, 1938 in Appleton, son of the late Robert Schabo and Gladys (DeWall) Brum. Don married Patricia Hurley on April 24, 1965. Together they created a home where all felt welcome.
He was a member and usher at First English Church, Appleton. Schabs, as we loved to call him, was an ambitious and talented man. He began an apprenticeship in sheet metal work and, after achieving journeyman status, worked his way into a management position at ThermoElectron (previously Overly, Inc.) And, even though he was officially a sheet metal worker, there was nothing Don couldn't do. If you needed a plumber, electrician, mechanic, or carpenter, he was your man-the consummate "Jack of All Trades." Everyone in the family has a masterful piece of furniture lovingly crafted by Don.
Don was a busy man. He never said 'No' to helping a relative or friend in need. When he did have free time, you would find him camping with family and friends or fishing and hunting with his buddies in Canada and at "the shack."
More than anything, Don loved cheering on and encouraging his children and grandchildren at sporting events with popcorn in hand. He was their biggest fan. That's what made him the best dad and papa in the world. There is no way to express how much this "Prince of a man" will be missed.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia; their three children: Rick (JaTame), Appleton, Ann (Lucas Roman) Schabo, St. Paul, MN, and Kris (Tony) Kappell, Appleton; five grandchildren: Sage and Charlie Schabo, Sam and Ben Kappell, and Alex Roman; sister, Carol (Fran) Sturm, Appleton; two brothers: Robert (Judy) Schabo, Appleton and Bill (Pam) Schabo, Pembine; three sisters in-law: Marlene Dion, Susan Dailey and Kelly (Tim) Robertson all of Appleton; two brothers in-law: Michael (Dee) Hurley, Appleton and Don (Kuni) Hurley, NJ; Donald is further survived by his close friends: Jerry and Betty Behrens, and Cliff and Jan Gosz; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. He was further preceded in death by his brother Larry.
Funeral service for Don will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday November 7, 2017 at FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 326 E. North Street, Appleton, with Rev. Mary Bauer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 until 10:45, with service to follow at 11:00 AM.
Don's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff at Brewster Village, for all of their care and compassion.
"May God hold you in the palm of His hand".
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Nov. 5, 2017
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1938 - 2017 (79 years)
Obituary
