Donald Schams

Donald Michael Schams, 92, died Thursday, September 26, 2019 at his Bartlett, IL home surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 29, 1926 in Sparta, WI to William J. and Matilda (Gilles) Schams. He married Louise Frances Paul on October 8, 1947 in St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse, WI. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before Louise’s death in 2007.
Don was a member of St. Peter Damian in Bartlett, IL and a longtime active member of the Knights of Columbus (in Wisconsin, California, Arkansas, and Illinois) as a member of both the 3rd and 4th Degree. He was also a member of the Bella Vista Fly Tyers. He volunteered for numerous other organizations throughout his lifetime.
After marriage, he operated his own milk route in Coon Valley, WI. He moved the family to Imperial Beach, CA where he worked for Rohr Aircraft. After moving back to Wisconsin he built earthen waterways, roads, and over the years many custom homes. Don and Louise owned a beef farm near West Salem, WI. Growing up on a dairy farm his love of the outdoors and living things was evident throughout his life.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Louise (née Paul); siblings, Ralph Schams, Gerald Schams, Louise Bahr, Jeanette Longmire, Vincent Schams, William Schams, and Joan Arneson. He is survived by four daughters, Mary Sue King (Robert) of Hoffman Estates, IL, Kathleen A. Munday of St. Joseph, IL, Joan F. Moren (Peter) of Danville, CA, Jean L. Borodaj (Nick) of Elgin, IL, one son, Donald M. Schams, Jr. (Maria) of Chandler, AZ; one brother, Paul Schams (Judy) of La Crosse, WI; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pallbearers are his grandchildren as well as Sisters from the Order of St. Joseph that live at Clare Oaks.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 9 am followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 am offered at Sacred Heart Chapel at 801 Carillon Drive, Clare Oaks, in Bartlett, IL. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Don Schams may be made to either “Clare Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund,” 825 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, IL 60103 or “The Bishop John Paul Scholarship Endowment Trust,” P.O. Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602.