Kathryn Edith Scherer

   Cause of her death was pulmonary edema and CHF [chronic heart failure].¹³

   Another name for Kathryn was Kitty.

  General Notes:

 
I was born at St. Joseph's hospital in Menominee, Mich. My mother hadn't been well, since before Aunt Biz was born, with a thyroid condition. We lived at the foot of Water St., right by the lower slip of the Menominee river. It was used to hold logs until the mill was ready to use them. The logs were piled all along the river and were released slowly in the spring.
 
We used to run the booms in the river until the men using the peevey poles would see us and scream about those 'damn Schererie kids', then they would report us to my dad, and he'd tell us not to do that, which we didn't pay much attention to. The drawbridge was farther, but the boats would whistle when they were coming through and the two bridge tenders would have to set a key into the mechanism to manually open the span. When we heard the whistle we'd run as fast as we could, and jump on the center span, and ride it open, then when it was almost closed we'd jump off before the bridge tenders could catch us. But they knew who we were anyhow.
 
We lived on Water St until I was seven then, moved to Cook St. I went to Menekaunee School for kindergarten and 1st grade then went to Lourdes, which was a long walk, and home at noon for lunch except for the coldest winter days. After we moved it wasn't quite so far. I went there through freshman year then mother, Biz and I moved to Chicago. Aunt Gert was teaching in the Chicago school system then. Biz and I went to Immaculata which was a private girls school run by the BVM nuns. We had to wear uniforms which everyone hated. Biz stayed only one semester then she went back to Marinette and stayed at Aunt Marg's and graduated from Lourdes. I went for two years, then went back and stayed at Aunt Polly's and finished at Lourdes.
 
I had a job that summer at Paul Davis, a brokerage house on LaSalle St and worked all of Sept going back to school a month later. That's when the 'Crash' came and it was terrible. People jumped out of office windows, after losing every cent. You could buy on margin then and people went way over their heads. I never hear 'Anaconda Copper' but I see the hysteria of those days.
 
I stayed with Aunt Polly and Uncle Fred and worked at the Jewel Box. Had to run there at noon, so Gil could go to lunch (and he'd get into a card game and not come back until 1 PM) and I was due at school at 1:05. All I did that year was run. Then I had to be back at the store at 3 PM till closing at 6:PM. On Saturday I had to run the Menominee jewelry store, which was one of those dark, long buildings across from Victory Beach. The furnace was way down in the middle of the basement, and I heard rats every time I had to go down there.
 
The morning after graduation (only Uncle Fred came to that) I left for Chicago and got a job at Leschins, an exclusive woman's store on Michigan Ave, in the office. After two years the Depression had hit everything and everyone. I lost my job and got one working until 11 PM way out on the far west side in a Mrs. Steven's Candy Store. Took me almost two hours to get home, transferring three times, and a 2 block walk after I got off the bus. ^{[Kathryn Scherer Schuck]}
 
 
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Six Vases of Roses

Before the altar at Our Lady Queen of Peace Memorial Service stood six vases of roses. Each vase but one contained a solid color of a dozen roses, representing each of the five children. The sixth vase contained 14 white roses with a rose representing each of the fourteen grandchildren.

 
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Reading the events of your mother's life brought back some memories which I had long forgotten. I remember a summer I spent in Marinette, mostly at Aunt Polly's house, but this particular time I was spending the night at your house on Newberry Street. Suffering with a terrible toothache, and in much pain, the problem was eventually solved by your mother and a shot of whiskey, allowing her, I, and the rest of the family to finally get some sleep.
^{[John Hugh Ingram] 14 15}

  Medical Notes:

Other significant conditions: Bronchitis, Hypovolemia / diarrhea, Crohn's disease


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I had a note from Martha.  She is impatiently awaiting a copy of the 100-year anniversary of AAL, which is now held up because of the proposed merger of AAL and Lutheran Brotherhood.  (Do you remember the story about them searching for Fred Jaeger, who was their first paid death policy? And our daughter Mary saying, "I think I know who that is.")

Anyhow, Martha says she had laser surgery on her eyes; her macular degeneration is so bad.  She wants to be able to read the book before her sight is gone.  "I did not know Bizz and Aunt Kitty both had it...Esther, Ruth and I [Martha] now have it." That's a pretty strong family history. ¹⁶

  Noted events in her life were:

• Baptism: Our Lady of Lourdes, 14 Apr 1912, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ¹⁷
I hereby certify, that Kathryn Edith, daughter of John Scherer and Alta Space, was born March 29, 1912 and baptized Apr 14, 1912. Sponsors Jacob Scherer, Edith Kehl. /s/ F. G. Tulley, Rector, Our Lady of Lourdes Church

• Census: 1920 US, 09 Jan 1920, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ¹⁸
| 61 | 174 | 138 | Scherer, Alta | Head | O | F | F | W | 49 | M | | | | | Yes | Yes | Michigan | | Ohio | | Michigan | | Yes | None |
| .. | ... | ... | Scherer, John Jr | Son | . | . | M | W | 18 | S | | | | Yes | Yes | Yes | Wisconsin | | Wisconsin | | Michigan | | Yes | None |
| .. | ... | ... | Scherer, Gertrude | Daughter | . | . | F | W | 15 | S | | | | Yes | Yes | Yes | Wisconsin | | Wisconsin | | Michigan | | Yes | None |
| .. | ... | ... | Scherer, Elizabeth | Daughter | . | . | F | W | 09 | S | | | | Yes | | | Wisconsin | | Wisconsin | | Michigan | | Yes | None |
| .. | ... | ... | Scherer, Catherine | Daughter | . | . | F | W | 07 | S | | | | Yes | | | Wisconsin | | Wisconsin | | Michigan | | | None |

• Residence: 61 Water St, 09 Jan 1920, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ¹⁸

• First Communion: Certificate from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 23 May 1920, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ¹⁹
REMEMBRANCE OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Kathryn Scherer received First Holy Communion in Our Lady of Lourdes Ch on the twenty-third day of May in the year 1920

• Letter: From Kathryn (Kitty) to her sister, Gert, 11 Jul 1924, Grand Ledge, Eaton, Michigan, USA. ²⁰
Dear Gert,

My little beloved adorable sister. Why don't you write me every day. I didn't get one letter addressed to me yet since I was here and I wish I was home so bad. I'm sending Elizabeth two bracelets but don't tell her because she is to send my knickers in a hurry and tell her if they can't get here by Wednesday not to send them at all.

Will you write me and I'll write you.

Well I must close.

Your Loving Darling Respectful Sister
/s/ Kitty

P.S. I wish I was home so bad. They're moving now.
I met Miss Hazel Stacum and she is engaged to a man. She sure is a pill. When she walks she makes her hips wiggle and wears long earrings and has her hair bobbed. She looks like this...

• Graduation: Our Lady of Lourdes High School, 11 Jun 1930, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ^{21 22 23}
This Certifies That Kathryn E. Scherer has completed the Scientific Course of Study as prescribed by this Institution and by intellectual attainments and correct deportment is entitled to this Diploma.

In witness Whereof Our signatures are hereunto affixed at Marinette, Wisconsin, this eleventh day of June A.D. 1930.

/s/ Sister Mary H. [Honora] Corcoran
Principal

/s/ [Father] Francis G. Tulley
Superintendent

• Graduation: Our Lady of Lourdes High School which held Commencement Exercises, 11 Jun 1930, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ²⁴
The Class of Nineteen Thirty
of
Our Lady of Lourdes High School
requests the prescece at the
Commencement Exercises
Wednesday evening, June eleventh
at eight o'clock
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Marinette, Wisconsin


CLASS MOTTO
"Through Difficulties to the Stars"

CLASS COLORS
Shell Pink and Nile Green

CLASS FLOWER
Pink Rose

CLASS ROLL

Sylvester Camps - - - Marjorie Cummings
Rodger Doran - - - Lucille DeLeers
Eugene Golueke - - - Ellen DesLauriers
John Grignon - - - Dolores Kass
Preston Hearty - - - Mary Kass
Edward Kieff - - - Maryon LaFond
Clarence LaPinske - - - Ursula Lauerman
Bruce Poquette - - - Katherine Mayville
Gerald Rondeau - - - Olivette Parent
William Webster - - - Alice Reinhart
Robert Yuenger - - - Helen Rock
Catherine Behnke - - - Alice Roosen
Helen Behnke - - - Margaret Rouse
Gertrude Bernardy - - - Kathryn Scherer
Marcella Boerner - - - Dorothy Smith
Mary Bernice Brault - - - Marjorie Stang
Helen Charette - - - Geraldine Strickland
Dolothy Colburn - - - Marion Wypiszynski
- - - Helen Zylkowski - - -

• Social Security Number: 392-40-3306, 1958-1959, , , Wisconsin, USA. ²⁵

• Photograph: 50th Wedding Anniversary photo, 15 Jul 1983, Chesterfield, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. ²⁶

• Publication: The Milwaukee Sentinal, FINALLY, ONE OF HER SONS SAID 'TAKE IT' AND SHE BOUGHT HAT, by Ruth Ruth Horn Moe, 17 Jun 1985, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. ²⁷
FINALLY, ONE OF HER SONS SAID 'TAKE IT' AND SHE BOUGHT HAT
^{By Ruth Horn Moe --- Special to the Sentinel}

I never liked hats, feeling hats didn't do anything for me. A quick glance at the old snapshot album does nothing to dispel this notion.

However, my friend Kitty likes hats. I think it's the pretty women who do. She admitted to having saved several of her favorites -- velvet creations that she couldn't bear to toss out. And then she told me the story of the strawberry hat, and I was so charmed with it that I must share it.

It went back to a day when she was shopping with her two small sons. She gravitated toward the millinery shop, a term we no longer hear.

The hat was in the window, a wisp of veiling, green velvet ribbons and tiny red strawberries. She knew she had to have it.

This was in the middle of the Depression and the hat would be an extravagance, so she dallied while the saleslady emoted, and she preened and her boys shuffled nervously. Finally, one of them said, 'Take it.'

She didn't know if he liked the hat or was just anxious to get on with other things. But what did it matter!

The years slipped away, the sons grew to manhood and then came those soul-searing days of Vietnam.

From there her oldest [youngest] son doggedly wrote weekly letters home, and in one particularly poignant message he wrote that whenever he thought of his mother, he saw her in the strawberry hat.

Finally Vietnam was over -- in a way. I wish I might have been at the airport the day the big transport set down and the boys came down the steps.

In my mind's eyes I see that wildly waving, ecstatic woman, wearing an outmoded hat covered in strawberries.

The son went on to make the Army his career, and he is now stationed in a foreign country where he and his family come to the States for the Christmas holidays.

So, if you are in the Milwaukee or Madison airport around mid-December, scan the crowds and you may be lucky enough to see a tall woman, booted and bundled up against the Wisconsin winter, but with a tiny, wispy hat covered with still-bright red strawberries perched on her graying blond hair.

Now that you know the story, the sight must bring a balm to your soul and you will know you aren't seeing an old hat, but the symbol of one kind of love story.

• Obituary: Marinette EagleHerald and The Wisconsin State Journal, 15 Dec 1996, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA & Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ²⁸  
 
KATHRYN E. SCHUCK

Kathryn (Kitty) Edith Scherer Schuck died on Friday, December 13, 1996 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born in Menominee, Michigan on March 29, 1912 the daughter of John Scherer of Oconto, Wisconsin and Alta Space Scherer of Delta, Michigan. She grew up in Marinette graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes in 1930. Kathryn and her husband, Raymond W. Schuck of Joliet, Illinois were residents of Marinette until 1959. They established permanent residency in Madison in 1968. Raymond W. Schuck preceded her in death on May 20, 1990.

She is survived by 5 children; Dr. James M. Schuck of Leslie, Missouri, Sister Judith Schuck, SSND of Milwaukee, Jarold R. Schuck of Bethesda, Maryland, Lt. Col. W. John Schuck, USA (Ret.) of Tacoma, Washington, K. Jane Jaskowski of Madison; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. on December 16th. In the spring of 1997 a memorial service and interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Marinette.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Prevent Blindness of America, Attention: Macular Degeneration Research, 500 East Remington Road, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173

• Funeral: at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 16 Dec 1996, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ²⁹  
Six Vases of Roses

Before the altar at Our Lady Queen of Peace Memorial Service stood six vases of roses. Each vase but one contained a solid color of a dozen roses, representing each of the five children. The sixth vase contained 14 white roses with a rose representing each of the fourteen grandchildren.

• Funeral: Our Lady Queen of Peace, 16 Dec 1996, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁰
In Loving Memory of

Kathryn Schuck
March 29, 1912 - December 13, 1996

Our LadyQueen of Peace Church Madison, WI
December 16, 1996


PRELUDE
GREETING
GATHERING HYMN
…#494 Gather How Great Thou Art
OPENING PRAYER

+ LITURGY OF THE WORD +
FIRST READING
…Proverbs 31: 10-31
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
…#31 Gather Psalm 23 "Shepherd Me O God"
……Shepherd me O God, beyond my wants, beyond by needs from death into life.
SECOND READING
…Romans 6: 3-4, 8-9
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
…A!leluia, Alleluia, Alle!uia.
GOSPEL
…John 14: 1-3
HOMILY
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

+LITURGYOF THE EUCHARIST +
PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
PREPARATION HYMN
…#325 Gather Like A Shepherd
EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATIONS from "Mass of Light"
…Holy, Holy, Holy…Memorial Acclamation…Great Amen
OUR FATHER
COMMUNION
POST COMMUNION ANTHEM
…Shepherd of Souls - Choir
REFLECTION
FINAL FAREWELL
CLOSING HYMN
…#611 Gather On Eagle's Wings


Celebrant - Fr. Tom Kelley
Organist - Holly Carleton
Choir Director - Sarellen Schuh
Our Lady Queen of Peace Funeral Choir

• Eulogy: by Sister Judith A Schuck, SSND at Our Lady Queen of Peace Memorial Service, 16 Dec 1996, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³¹  
Kathryn (Kitty) Schuck's whole life was devoted to and revolved around her family and friends. Some of her greatest joys in later life were in being with and hearing about and receiving pictures of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved each one individually and took great interest in each one's growing up. She agonized with their sufferings and problems and rejoiced with their successes and accomplishments. Even when her eyesight was such that she could only read with a powerful lighted magnifying glass, she would hold the magnifier and picture up in front of her face and scan a new picture inch by inch so she could see and remember every detail.

She loved to be with family and friends and hated to be alone for any duration of time. Winters were hard on her as it was more difficult for her to get out and be with others. When she could no longer drive because of her failing eyesight, she still made arrangements to go somewhere by bus, then by handicapped bus or taxi, when her family or friends were not available to transport her.

Kitty was very a independent person and was determined to keep her independence to the end of her life. She was very distressed in the last years when her ever failing health took away more and more of that control. She couldn't face having to move into an assisted care facility and thankfully for her, she died before that had to happen to her.

She was generous with her time and before her eyesight deteriorated, often drove her friends to the doctor, shopping, or wherever they wished to go. She made other peoples concerns her own and tried to help them any way she could.

Kitty had a great sense of humor, and loved to participate in intellectual and mind stimulating conversations and games. She kept up with the news and was always ready to learn something new. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, listening to classical music, watching the ferocity of a lake during a storm, or seeing a rainbow. She was an avid reader all her life and one of her greatest crosses in life was the loss of most of her eyesight due to Macular Degeneration.

Almost all of Kitty Schuck's friends and family have been frequent recipients of her homemade cooking and bakery, especially her coffee cakes, sweet rolls, cookies, and breads. She loved to share what she had made with others and remembered what each one's favorites were. She would make and deliver some homemade goodies for a friend's special occasion or when she thought someone needed a little cheering up.
^{[Sister Judith Ann Schuck, SSND]}

• Eulogy: by W John Schuck at Our Lady Queen of Peace Memorial Service, 16 Dec 1966, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁰
TAKE THE HAT

Fifty Years ago my mother took Jere and me shopping. She was going to buy a hat and we tried on many hats. With two young boys watching and her agonizing, with her frugal means and limited budget, as to whether she should buy the hat. Finally one of us said, 'take the hat!' She bought the hat and it was a little wreath of bright red, wild strawberries wrapped around her head. The leaves were the tabs that held the hat to her head and there was a little red veil that served as a crown. And mother became... the strawberry lady. Over the years she received jam jars and sugar jars and we had plates that had wild strawberries on them. She loved strawberries and cream - that was an elegant dessert for her.

That hat was worn for fifty years at all festive occasions of the family. When we graduated from schools and universities, when we received honors and awards, when Jude took her vows, when we were married and when our children were married... she wore the strawberry hat.

When I was commissioned in the infantry she came down to Fort Benning, Georgia... and she wore the strawberry hat. I was then posted to Vietnam and after a particularly difficult time I wrote to her, as I did every day, and I said, 'when I think of you I see you in the strawberry hat.'

For years, whenever I returned to Madison from postings throughout the world, mother was out at the gate at the airport, frantically waving and wearing the strawberry hat. Winter or summer she wore the hat.

Last year when I came home with my wife for Thanksgiving we were going through some of the pictures and files to see about my family and my ancestors and I found a newspaper article. It was written in 1987 by Ruth Moe for the Milwaukee Sentinel. It was the story about the strawberry hat. I didn't know it existed and as Liz and I were packing our bags to return to Tacoma mother walked in with a package. She said, 'I want you to have this.' It was the strawberry hat. I've taken the strawberry hat and it is in a shadow box. Next to it is the newspaper article that entails the story. It is on the wall at home.

Last Friday, early in the morning, mother came to another gate. Her broken body was whole and she could see us clearly through her restored eyes. And she turned and smiled at us and then she waved as she walked into heaven... wearing the strawberry hat.
^{[William John Schuck}

• Eulogy: by Jarold R Schuck (Jay) at Our Lady Queen of Peace Memorial Service, 16 Dec 1996, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³²  
HELLO THE HOUSE

I want to thank the School Sisters of Notre Dame for coming to be with Judy at this time. Sister Judith is my twin sister. And, we are not identical twins. She is five minutes older than I am, which automatically puts me in the role of a middle child, with all the psychological hang-ups that go with such a position, as well as the benefits... which I'm still trying to figure out.

Before we even knew what computers were... mother 'surfed the Net'... drawing on a universe of information, contacts, and resources... like a professional hacker. She was a survivalist, a mother, often a father, and always looking out for us...Sometimes to my embarrassment.

Like when my date and I needed a ride to the freshman prom... mother fixed me up with a personal chauffeur... my Aunt Margaret! When I needed a pair of black shoes to go with the tux... she called the priests at St. Joseph's and borrow a pair for me. And then, the following Sunday, I had to listen to the pastor tell the congregation how much fun his shoes had going to the dance.

And sometimes to her embarrassment... Like when I was teaching her to drive in the snow and she took down four posts near City Park... whump, whump, whump, whump. I told her she had to report it, so we drove to the police station and she sent me in. I told the officer what happened and he came out to the car laughing and said he would send her a bill for the damage. She was mortified! She thought I was going to tell the police that I was driving. I said, 'You always told me to tell the truth.'

While time has eroded the rough edges, for the past few days I have been reminiscing in a flood of memories.

It is the 1940s... 'Hello the House!' A voice would call out as someone came through the front door... on Newberry... Carney... Logan... Pierce. We had a lot of front doors. They were never locked. It might be Fritz or Dan, or Aunt Marg or Aunt Polly... maybe Ruth or Esther or Martha... or Betty... I remember the smell of warm breads and caramel rolls or pies... of baked beans and hamburgers on Saturday nights. Mother always loved company. And she always seemed to be cooking or baking.

Her cooking and her love held her family together, often through difficult years. Three out of five of her children attest to the fact that food was a focal point in our lives... all five can attest to the fact that her relatives and friends were an even more important part of her life. That network provided us with both social and spiritual sustenance.

We were raised in a community of relatives. Our summers in Combined Locks with Uncle John and Aunt Laura... Pat, Johnny, Mary, Barb... The swims at Pine Beach with Ruth and Lou. ...And days spent on Shore Drive with Martha and Clarence, feeling like we were family... and Clarence, who is so special to me, saying 'be careful with that knife' and then bandaging me up when I cut myself. ...And then the time spent with Esther and Leon and Leon saying 'don't touch that printing press wheel'... and then bandaging me up after I cut myself. Mother knew I learned lessons the hard way.

We had a lot of parents. I remember Marion and Vic Hanson and staying with them at the lake... and I often think of Betty and Gil and working at the Jewel Box and how much they influenced my life.

I remember the bonfires and the smelt fishing on the river and how excited we were that mother would let us go to catch fish, thinking, in retrospect, that God provided all of us with a bounty of free food at a time that was difficult, not just for us, but for many people in Marinette. I think of mother canning fruits and vegetables at Aunt Marg's and I think about Dick and Alta and Dan.

I think about Judy and me skipping school for a whole week and getting caught by Clarence on the road to Peshtigo. Mother arranged for us to make up classes at the convent during Easter recess. This may be the point at which Judy began to realize her vocation. The nuns gave us more candy then we'd ever seen in our life!

Mother knew I had to get through Latin in order to get into college... and she wanted us all to go to college... so she badgered the nuns until I passed. I never knew how I passed. I know I tried my mother's patience... actually for 60 years... and always knew she only wanted the best for all of us.

I think of mother as a survivor... orchestrating our lives... helping us to grow... using a family community as surrogate parents. Giving what she could... taking what she had to... to provide for her children. I remember her paying the Dentist's bill with baked goods every Saturday morning...

She was proud, maybe sometimes to a fault, but she loved her children and used her strengths to provide for us. And, we have many of you here today to thank for being a part of her life, a part of our lives. Her network of loved ones grew, and she deeply loved us all. She drew strength from her family, her friends in Madison, and her friends and family in Marinette.

In recent months, she was failing in health, but not in mind or spirit. She delighted in learning about everything and anything any of us were doing... and she was always concerned about our well being.

She took phone calls up until just two days before she died, her mind alert, her love always there for all of us. I like to think it is still there... I know it is. We will miss her... and remember her.

• Death: Death Certificate, 17 Dec 1996, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³³

• Letter: From Rev. Clyde M. Carleton, Director of Pastoral Care, Oakwood Village to John Schuck, 30 Jan 1997, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁴
Peace

Dear John,

Your letter and encouragement meant much to me personally. Your thanks to staff and the materials you sent regarding your mother were shared with second floor staff. You have wonderful memories and blessed ways of sharing them with others. Thank you.

You are always invited to stop - it would be good to see you again.

God's peace,
/s/ Chaplain Clyde Carlton

• Letter: From Clara Thill, long time best friend to Kathryn Schuck, 31 Jan 1997, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁵
Dear John & Family,

Thanks very much for mailing me one of the Memorials about your mother. I just can't believe she's gone. I've lost a very good friend.

I hope I'll be able to go to the services when you bring the ashes.

We sure are getting our amount of snow. The last time I was out was Christmas Eve for mass. When you get 91 and can't walk well ones place is home.

Thanks again John and I hope to see you in the spring.

Clare T.

• Funeral: (Masses offered) in Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Between 25 Feb 1997 and 11 Sep 1997, Elm Grove, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁶
She will see God
face to face
and God's name will be
written on her forhead.
It will never be
night again and she will
not need lamplight
or sunlight because
The Lord God
will be
shining on her.

Masses will be offered for
Kathryn Schuck
in Holy Family Chapel
Notre Dame of Elm Grove
at 7:00 a.m.
on
February 25
April 27
May 20
June 30
August 8
September 11
^{Three Masses have already been offered}

• Probate: (Inventory), 27 May 1997, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁷
WHIPPLE LAW OFFICES, LTD.
CARLYLE H. WHIPPLE
ATTORNEY AT LAW
317 KENSINGTON DR
TELEPHONE/FAX (608) 245-1222
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53704-5940

May 27, 1997

Dane County Probate Court
Dane County Courthouse
210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Madison WI 53709

Re: Kathryn Schuck Estate
File No. 96 PR 1376
Our File No. 83-161

Please find enclosed the estate Inventory in the above-captioned estate together with a filing fee of $154.00, If there are any additional charges required, please let me know at your convenience.

By copy of this letter, I am informing the interested persons of its presence.

Sincerely,

WHIPPLE LAW OFFICES, LTD.

By:

Carlyle H. Whipple

CHW:jfe
Enc.
c: …James E. Schuck
……Judith Schuck
……Jarold Schuck
……William Schuck
……Kathryn Jaskowski

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STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY - PROBATE -

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
KATHRYN E SCHUCK INVENTORY
File No. 96 PR 1376

I, the undersigned personal representative, certify that to the best of my knowledge this Inventory (with attached schedules) includes all property, encumbrances, liens or charges of the decedent required to be shown and identifies marital property, if any.

Subscribed and sworn to before me
on May 19, 1997
/s/ James M. Schuck
Notary Public Missouri /s/ Pamala J. Wood
My commission expires: Sept 13, 1999

SUMMARY OF PROPERTY
(Value of Decedents Interest at Date of Death) Date of Death 12/13/96

1. PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION

………(a) Net Value of Property Other Than Marital Property
……………(Individual and Predetermination Date Property)…………$ 154,192.21
………(b) Net Value of Decedent's Interest in Marital Property………$ 0

NET VALUE OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION…………$ 154,192.21

2. PROPERTY NOT SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION

………(a) Net Value of Decedent's Interest in Joint Property
………(b) Net Value of Decedents Interest in Survivorship Marital Property
………(c) Other (S. 814.66, Wis. Stats.)

NET VALUE OF PROPERTY NOT SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION………$ 0

TOTAL VALUE OF PROPERTY…………………………………………$ 154,192.21

*ATTACH SCHEDULES SHOWING DETAILS.


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Kathryn E. Schuck - Estate Inventory 12/13/96 Rev. 5/19/97

Oakwood Nursing Home (deposit)…………………………………………$1,000.00
Monticello Apartment (security deposit)………………………………………332.50
General Casualty (Insurance refund)…………………………………………166.23
Ameritech (overpayment)…………………………………………………………8.84
Affiliated Univ. Physicians (overpayment)………………………………………5.45

Jane Jaskowski (interim expense account)……………………………… ~~~~~~~
Personal Effects/Furniture…………………… ……………… ……………~~~~~~~

1996 Federal Tax Overpayment………………………………………………521.00
1996 Wisconsin Tax Overpayment …………………………………………219.00

Farmers & Merchants Bank (money market)………………………………3,145.47
Farmers & Merchants Bank (checking account) …………………………3,744.23

Dain Bosworth Incorporated
200 Shares GE …(mean $97.0625)………………………………………19,412.50
175 Shares Mobil …(mean $ll8.5623)…… ………………………………20,748.44
200 Shares PECO Energy …(mean $25.l25)………………………………5,025.00
250 Shares WPL Holdings …(mean $28.1875)……… …… …… ………7,046.88
730 Shares Tenn. Vly. 7.5 PFD …(mean $25)…… …… ………………18,250.00

$15,000 CD 1st Fed. Savings of CA ($100.75)…………………………15,112.50
$15,000 CD Greenwood Trust ($101.25)…… … …… ……… ………15, 187.50
$15,000 CD ITT Federal ($102)………………… ……… …… …………15,300.00
$18,000 CD MBNA America Bank (103.25)… …… …… ………………18,585.00

Great Hall Prime Money Mkt……… ………… ………………… ……………381.67

……………………………Total Assets…… ………… ………………$154,192.21


James M. Schuck

• Publication: in the Marinette Eagle Herald, 07 Jun 1997, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁸  
Kathryn E. (Scherer) Schuck, formerly of Marinette, died Dec 13, 1996, in Madison, memorial mass Tuesday, noon, Holy Family Parish, Taylor Street, Marinette.

• Cemetery: Forest Home Cemetery and Mausoleum [Section Y, Block 25, Lot 3, #8], 10 Jun 1997, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ³⁹
SCHUCK
KATHRYN E.
1912 - 1996

• Probate: (Final Account and Petition), 18 Sep 1997, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA. ⁴⁰
WHIPPLE LAW OFFICES, LTD.
CARLYLE H. WHIPPLE
ATTORNEY AT LAW
317 KENSINGTON DR
TELEPHONE/FAX (608) 245-1222
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53704-5940

September 18, 1997

To the Interested Persons of the
Estate of Kathryn Schuck

Re: Estate of Kathryn Schuck
Our File No. 83-161

Dear Interested Persons:

Please find enclosed the following documents:

………1. Petition and Final Account showing a balance for distribution in the sum of $34,757.46.

………2. A letter from Jim to me of September 11, 1997, showing your respective distribution share.

………3. Your checks as follows:
……………Judith……………$ ~~~~~~~
……………Jarold…… …… …~~~~~~~
……………John… … … … …~~~~~~~
……………Jane… … … … …~~~~~~~
……………James ……………~~~~~~~

…………………………………~~~~~~~

4. Waiver and Consent

5. Receipt

After you have had an opportunity to review these documents, it is requested that you sign the Waiver and Consent and Receipt and return it to me in the envelope provided. Should you have any questions in these matters, please feel free to contact either Jim or myself.

Once all of the Receipts and Waivers are back, I will file the Final Account and these documents with the Court. The Court will then issue a Final Judgment and close out the estate.


Sincerely,

WHIPPLE LAW OFFICES, LTD.

By:

Carlyle H. Whipple

CHW:jfe
Enc.
c:… …Judith Schuck
………Jarold Schuck
………W. John Schuck
………K. Jane Jaskowski
………James Schuck


<=====>


STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, Dane County - PROBATE -

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
KATHRYN E SCHUCK
FINAL ACCOUNT AND PETITION
File No. 96 PR 1376

I am the personal representative of this estate. This estate is ready for final settlement. The following is my account of the administration of this estate from

JANUARY 2, 1996 to AUGUST 31, 1997

ATTACH SCHEDULES SHOWING DETAILS AND A LIST OF INTERESTED PERSONS (Include Addresses).

RECEIPTS ITEMS

Inventoried Assets………………………………………………………$ 154, 192 .21
Added Property……(Schedule A)
Dividends………………………(B)…… …… …… ……………………………892.36
Interest…………………………(C)……………………………………………4,261.12
Capital Gains (Losses)… ……(D)……………………………………………1,436.92
Other Receipts… …… … ……(E)…… …… …… ……………………………185.50

………………………………BALANCING TOTALS…… … ……………$160,968.11


DISBURSEMENTS ITEMS

Funeral Expenses (Schedule F)………………… ………………………$ 4,140.20
Debts…… ……………………(G)……………………………………………1,465 .54
Claims by Judgment… ………(H)
Taxes Paid……… ……………(I)
Interest Paid…… …… ………(J)
Administration Expenses
…Other Than Fees… ………(K)………… ……………………………………385.55
Other Payments… … … ……(L)
Distributions Paid to Date……(M)…………………………………………114,000.00

……………………………TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS… ……… ………$119,991.29

Assets on Hand… …… ……(N)…………………………………………$ 40,976.82

………………………………BALANCING TOTALS…… … ……………$160,968.11

Assets on Hand… …… ……(N)…………………………………………$ 40,976.82
Less Requested Fees:
……Attorney…………………………………………3,000.00
……Personal Representative………………………3,219.36
……Guardian Ad Litem………………………………N/A………………$ - 6,219.36

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION……………………………$ 34,757.46

Schedule O. showing the proposed distribution of the balance is attached.

The personal representative requests that the Court schedule a hearing to approve this account, the classification of assets, and the allocation of expenses: to certify that the decedent's interest in life estates and joint tenancies has terminated and that survivorship marital property has vested in the surviving spouse; and to assign the assets of the estate.

Subscribed and sworn to before me
on September 11, 1997
/s/ James M. Schuck
 
Notary Public Missouri /s/ Deborah E. Winters
My commission expires: June 22, 1998


<=====>


FINAL ACCOUNT
KATHRYN E. SCHUCK ESTATE
96 PR 1376


SCHEDULE F - FUNERAL EXPENSES:
……Joyce Funeral Home……………………………………………………$1,469.00
……Clergy……………………… ………… ……………………………………200.00
……Service………………………………………………………………………170.00
……Queen of Peace Church…… ………… …… ……………………………500.00
……Cards/postage………… ……………………… ……………………………76.52
……Obituaries……………………………………………………………………256.20
……Cemetery………………… …………………………………………………600.00
……Riverfront Inn - hospitality…………… ……………………………………586.37
……Family memorial dinner……… …………… ………………………………132.48
……Everad's Flowers…… ……………… ……………………………………149.63
……………………………………TOTAL……………………………………$4.140.20

SCHEDULE G - DEBTS:
……Ameritech…………………………………………………………………$ 483.22
……Rent…………………… ……………………………………………………787.00
……MG&E……………… ………… ……………………………………………195.32
……………………………………TOTAL……… ……… …………………$ 1,465.54

SCHEDULE K - ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES:
……Postage………………………………………… …………………………$ 22.75
……Checks…………………………………………………………………………4.00
……Cleaning………………………………………………………………………20.05
……Filing fee……………… ……………………………………………………154.00
……Southwestern Bell Telephone………… …………………………………104.75
……Photocopies………………… ………………………………………………56.00
……Certified copies of letters… ……………… ………………………………24.00
……………………………………TOTAL……………………………………$ 385.55

SCHEDULE M - DISTRIBUTION:
……James Schuck, Son
…………Cash……………………………………$ ~~~~~~~
…………Household goods…… …………………~~~~~~~ $ ~~~~~~~

……Judith Schuck, Daughter
…………Cash……………………………………$ ~~~~~~~
…………Household goods…… …………………~~~~~~~ $ ~~~~~~~

……Jarold Schuck, Son
…………Cash……………………………………$ ~~~~~~~
…………Household goods…… …………………~~~~~~~ $ ~~~~~~~

……William Schuck, Son
…………Cash……………………………………$ ~~~~~~~
…………Household goods…… …………………~~~~~~~ $ ~~~~~~~

……Kathryn Jaskowski, Daughter
…………Cash……………………………………$ ~~~~~~~
…………Household goods…… …………………~~~~~~~ $ ~~~~~~~
……………………Subtotal……………………………………………~~~~~~~

……Susan Johnson, Granddaughter…………$ ~~~~~~~

……James Schuck, Grandso……………………~~~~~~~

……Barbara Zick, Granddaughter………………~~~~~~~

……Laura Matthews, Granddaughter… … ……~~~~~~~

……Mary Schuck, Granddaughter………………~~~~~~~

……Gregory Schuck, Grandson…………………~~~~~~~

……Stephen Schuck, Grandson… …… ……… ~~~~~~~

……Daniel Schuck, Grandson……………………~~~~~~~

……Lydia Schultz, Granddaughter………………~~~~~~~

……Mark Lybrand, Grandson……………………~~~~~~~

……Christopher Schuck, Grandson… …… ……~~~~~~~

……Paul Jaskowski, Grandson… …… …………~~~~~~~

……Mark Jaskowski, Grandson…… ……………~~~~~~~

……Polly Jaskowski, Granddaughter……………~~~~~~~
……………………Subtotal……………………………………………~~~~~~~
……………………Total………… …… ………………………………~~~~~~~

Kathryn married Raymond William Schuck, son of William Peter Schuck and Margaret Elizabeth Gatons, on 15 Jul 1933 in Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA.¹ (Raymond William Schuck was born on 26 Jan 1911 in Joliet, Will, Illinois, USA,^{41 42 43 44} died on 20 May 1990 in Verona, Dane, Wisconsin, USA ^{45 46 47} and was cremated on 24 May 1990 in Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA ^{48 49}.) The cause of his death was ventricular fibrillation; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.¹³

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• Marriage: at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 15 Jul 1933, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ¹
15 Jul 1933, Raymond W. Schuck, Kathryn E. Scherer. We, the undersigned, were present at the marriage of Raymond Wm. Schuck and Kathryn Edith Scherer as set forth in the foregoing certificate, at their request, and heard their declaration that they took each other for husband and wife. /s/ Robert J. McCabe and Elizabeth Terese Scherer. Rev. Alvin A. Auer, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Marinette, Marinette, WI

• Publication: Marinette Eagle Star, 16 Jul 1933, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ⁵⁰  
KATHERINE SCHERER IS BRIDE OF RAY SCHUCK

Miss Katherine Scherer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Scherer, became the bride of Ray Schuck of Chicago Saturday morning in a beautiful ceremony in Our Lady of Lourdes church at 9 o'clock. The Rev. Father Alvin Auer was the celebrant of the nuptial mass.

The bride wore a modish white suit, with corresponding accessories. Miss Elizabeth Scherer, sister of the bride, was the attendant and she wore a modish coat suit of Eleanor blue, with accessories harmonizing. Robert McCabe, Chicago, was best man. During the thass Miss Carol Russell, FL N., of Chicago, sang and Miss Mary Elizabeth Doran presided at the organ.

The wedding breakfast was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jaeger, 1001 Grant street, Mrs. Jaeger being the bride's sister. The guest group was lbnited to relatives from this and other cities.

Mr. and Mrs. Schuck departed In the early afternoon for Chicago where they will reside.

• Letter: Anniversary note on a dozen roses, 15 Jul 1954, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ⁵¹
Darling –
 
Here's hoping fo another 21 years together.

I love you dear.

Ray

• Travel: to Germany, 15-29 Oct 1980, Worms, , Rheinland-Pfalz, DEU. ⁵²
Kitty and Ray's Trip to Germany

Wednesday, October 15, 1980

Jane and Joe picked us up at 11:30, so we got to the bus early and had to wait a little while. Finally by a quarter of one, we could get out, and find an uncomfortable seat. We had a long stop in Janesville when they changed the drivers but we got to O'Hare on time. The International Terminal, was the first stop, which helped. After checking in we both had to make a pit stop. I phoned the hotel and Carroll told us that Ray [Watson] was okay, and they would be back home tonight, thank goodness.

We went out to the Lufthansa Concourse, and could get aboard at five thirty. Stupid that we were, we said we didn't care if we had a window seat. Next time, we'll know better as we had seats in the center bank. Took off on time, with my ears popping like crazy, even though I had my mouth wide open. They came for drink orders, as we were going over Detroit. We both had scotch and water, and then our dinner came. It was a beef roll up, and mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, shrimp salad, some sliced cucumbers with dill, hard roll, and lemon fluff pudding, and some rye bread and Camembert cheese. Its now nine o'clock and the pilot says we're about fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.

We opened Mark [Jaskowski's] letter. Dad insists he couldn't have printed it, but I know he did. Will try to read and hopefully go to sleep. I pulled up the arm rest between my seat and the one next to me, and folded myself up, pulled a blanket over me and slept until 12:30 our time. Then all the lights came on, and the stewardess came along with hot towels, to drop in your lap, before you could handle them to wipe your faces.

Thursday, October 16

Then we had breakfast. Melon, grapes, croissant, and a sweet Danish roll, orange juice, a heavy smoked sausage, jam and tea. By then we were flying over Ireland, and then London. Right after breakfast, we started to get organized to land. When we did, the passengers all clapped - good landing.

There are a lot of passengers on a 747, so it took quite a while to get off. Then it was a long walk to the baggage claim. I must have looked alright, as some woman came up to me, and helplessly asked me something about Stuttgart. If I could have said, "They moved it" in German, I would have, but all I could do was shrug and look like a dummy.

After getting the luggage, we went through customs, just passed through. And there was John, looking like ten million. Big hugs, and kisses and smiles, almost breaking our faces. Had a short distance to the car, then got our first taste of the Autobahn - This country must have a high rate of coronary attacks. The leaves are just starting to turn, but no frost as yet - Its a gray rainy day.

John's about an hour from Frankfurt [Leiselheim is a village municipality with something over 2000 inhabitants and we belong for more than 50 years to Worms, the oldest city in Germany. Joy of life, life feeling, the cosy atmosphere in the restaurants and the good Leiselheimer wine invite staying in our beautiful suburb. The versatile meetings in the year show the pronounced cultural life.] His apartment is an English basement; living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. It is very pleasant, and his new/old oriental rug, makes it gorgeous.

We talked for a while, then Ray and I fell apart, and took naps, while John mad a trip to post [Taukkunen Barracks], came home, and we had dinner here. Wild rice, steak, salad, and corn. We'd had a plate of cheeses and crackers and some wine before dinner. Talked some more, phoned Jimmy [James Jay Schuck] and made a date for Monday, planned to go to Cologne tomorrow and decided on an early night. I took a nice hot bath and crawled into a feather comforter and literally died.

Friday, October 17

We've just had breakfast, and are leaving for Cologne. Went to the cathedral, which is huge. The cornerstone was laid in 1172. By agreement it was not bombed during the war. Parts of it are being cleaned. It needs it. It was raining so we only walked around a little.

The King Tut exhibit is here, but the lines are too long for a wait in the rain. We came back to Worms about five, and after some cheese and wine, we went to a place, run by a man who used to be at the Officer's Mess. He won the German lottery, about 1 million! Has a nice place, a lot of army personnel there. I had some fish, super potato salad, and a tossed salad.

Ray and I came home, and John went to school for an hour or so. Ray went to bed early, and we talked, and watched part of the Tonight Show. Then I went to bed, I was tired.

Saturday, October 18

Got up at 7: A.M. And we were on our way to Trier by 7:45. It's a beautiful drive. Checked into a hotel then went to the cathedral. The cloak of Jesus is reportedly here in a crystal enclosed case. We did the church, then walked to the Square. It's lovely, flowers, vegetables, and fruit, and a German band playing. We went to a Konditori for coffee and a roll. Wiped out here - Slept for an hour.

After the coffee we went to the Porte Negra - the gates of the most northern empire of the Romans. There is a small museum in connection and we went through that. By then the car meter [parking] was up and Ray was ready to go back to the hotel. That was a four story, lavender building, very very clean. We had feather puffs on the beds. John and I left Ray and walked to the Roman Baths.

It must have been a beautiful place, and most ingenious. They heated the floors, and walls, and had some heated pools, and some cold. The poor slaves who had to keep it operating. We wandered around there, then went to see the Roman basilica, which is now an Evangelical church.

Saw a beautiful front of a Rococo palace. From what we figured there wasn't much more than the front left, and restored. It makes a beautiful background for the formal gardens though. The flowers are still in bloom, and roses everywhere.

From there we went to a big museum, with huge mosaics, and stone work from the ruins. Back to the hotel where I conked out.

John woke me in and hour and we went to Zum Christophel for dinner. Ray had venison stew while I settled for a very good, but mundane half chicken. John had some lamb, and we had some wine. After that we walked around the square and window shopped for a half hour or so. Then to the hotel, I took a hot shower, and fell into bed.

We never did find out why the town was so full, but there was a shortage of rooms all over. We were lucky to get one and we had to settle for a triple. We thought his mattress was stuffed with mice... it squeaked all night long. It bothered him, more so than us, as I know I was too tired for anything, short of a 7. earthquake, to bother me.

Sunday, October 19

We got up around six o'clock, and had breakfast downstairs. They serve a continental breakfast, and Ray and I each had a soft boiled egg, along with our rolls and coffee.

Packed up the car, and drove down by the river [Mosel] to see the cranes built around 1700, to lift the stones and things from the river barges. All operated by men below, turning big wheels. There are three remaining.

Left for Luxembourg, about 40 mi. It's a banking center, but you notice the difference between the German Trier and the French [French-like] Luxembourg. Stopped quite a few times to see the casements installed by people against the invaders. Some Roman works and the feats of building are almost unbelievable.

After a cup of tea for me, to warm up, we left for Worms. The scenery is beautiful all the way. The ridges are almost mountains, and the fields are all clean and planned for spring plantings. You see acres and acres of grape vines. Its all along the Mosel River. We stopped at an Air Force Base at Wiesbaden, as John needed some things, then back to the house.

Right now we're planning to go to Mannheim for dinner. John's gone to wash the car first, then we leave. We went to pick up Monica and Tom Skinner [Tom works with John].

The Skinners live in government housing. They have a town house, three bed rooms upstairs, a living room, kitchen, dining area, bath, and a rec room and bar in the basement. All new, and very comfortable.

We drove into the Odenwald forest to a wild game restaurant [Gasthaus zur Krone, in Mörlenbach]. Dad had wild boar, John the wild duck, while I settled for a leg of lamb. It is a great 150 year old restaurant, the food is superb. We had a leisurely dinner, dropped the Skinners off on the way home, then came home and went to bed.

Monday, October 20

Today we went to Mainz and saw Claudia and Jimmy [James Jay Schuck]. He looks good, and sounds very grown up. Claudia [Claudia Einecke Schuck] started back to school today. They seem to have their life in order, and know what they plan on doing.

Tuesday, October 21

A beautiful day. Cold but sunny. We drove along the Neckar River above Neckarsteinach, to the Hirschhorn Castle. Passed the four castle corners. Way up on the bluffs are four, almost destroyed remains of these fighting castles. The Hirschhorn is badly damaged, but a much larger fighting and also some living castle. We wandered around, saw a spectacular view from every side, then went into a restaurant now operated in part [of the castle], and had tea for me and coffee for John and Ray.

From there we drove to Erbach [castle] in the Odenwald but that one was closed for noon... two hours. The city is the center of the ivory carving jewelry industry. We looked at some gorgeous things, very expensive.

We went on to Heidelberg, through the old university section, and on up to the Heidelberg Castle. Went through the Apotheke Museum. The largest and oldest in the world. By the time we finished that an English tour of the castle was starting. They do The Student Prince, in the court yard during the summer. In one large room they have concerts occasionally, or you can hold meetings there. There are only a few rooms with furnishings. Saw the chapel and the wine cellar. By then it was dark and getting cold and we all were tired. John had hurt his knee somehow, and he was limping. A ghost must have touched me somewhere, as I had a strange, almost fainting spell, had trouble breathing. It lasted about ten minutes, then I was alright. The altitude I suppose. Came back here [Leiselheim] and had a ham and Spätzle dinner. Then we went over to Mott's, some friends of John's [John and Sheila Mott], and visited while I did some laundry.

Wednesday, October 22

We were going to Stuttgart today but we didn't know how John's knee was going to behave. I said I'd be happy to spend the day here so we went to the Worms Cathedral over to Luther's Monument. We tried to go to the Glass and Porcelain Museum but it is only open from 2 to 4 now that the summer is over. Ray has started a cold and doesn't feel good, so after a stop at the commissary, we brought him home. Opened some soup and John made him some coffee and we left to go to the mall. Its about a six block square area, only pedestrian traffic. All shops and cafés.

We spent a couple hours looking, and I bought some tea glasses in a gorgeous kitchen and china, crystal store. Saw more china patterns than in three Marshall Fields. When it was time to move the car we went to a Chinese place for egg rolls. Strange to hear Orientals speaking German! Then we parked again and went to the museum which was now open.

It's a small museum in what was a magnificent private home. The most beautiful glassware, and china, and porcelain figurines, and a few old paintings. After that we came here, and John is ready to leave for his class.

Thursday, October 23

We left the house at 6:30 and headed for Berchtesgaden. Beautiful country, near Stuttgart, you have to go through the Dragons Back mountains. Then we got to Dachau - the sight is unbelievable. 60,000 people in an area about the size of a football field. The crematorium is in the most beautiful sight. Incongruous! We saw the movie they show, made of films taken by the SS. You have such an eerie feeling, and are ashamed to belong to the same people. Most of all, you are haunted by the fear that it could happen again.

Left there very saddened, and went to Berchtesgaden. A Christmas Card town, with the Alps topped with snow, all surrounding it. We went to the hotel where Hitler's SS stayed [Berchtesgadener Hof]. It is now run by the US Army. You have to go about of the way up to Hitler's Eagles Nest on a steep winding mountain road. The scenery is gorgeous, but somehow you feel an evil spell over it.

We walked around the pedestrian area for a while, then we went to dinner to the Berchtesgaden Hotel It's early now, about 9: PM but we're all beat. Off to Vienna in the morning.

Friday, October 24

Left here about seven thirty, had to go through Salzburg where the filming for The Sound of Music was done. Saw a large cloister at Melk where that portion of the movie was done. Got to Vienna around eleven.

Parked the car and walked on the pedestrian zone. The people were very well dressed and the shops were all exclusive boutiques. Loads of jewelry stores. They must like diamonds and rhinestones. They certainly show a lot of them. Saw the churches of St Stephen and St Peter. Then we walked around the former palaces, and saw the Spanish Riding Academy [Lipizzaner stallions]. There are so many statues, and during the summer the fountains are all running. But the buildings are dirty, and the grounds aren't well kept. You don't see flowers all over, as you do in Germany.

We ate at the Olympia Restaurant, a nice one. Ray and I each had a veal schnitzel, and John had a cheese plate. Good service, and very tasty food. John had never driven in Vienna before and we finally found a road going out of town. The roads aren't marked well at all. You either know the way, or get lost.

Near the edge of town was the Schönbrunn Palace. It was getting late, so we had about an hour and a half. There was a special exhibit on Marie Therese. She must have been quite an Empress - 16 children. It was about 8:30 when we came back to the hotel. Had dinner and we all crashed.

Saturday, October 25

Went to Munich early this morning. Parked near the Fussganger [pedestrian zone], and started walking. The farm market is on Saturday, and such beautiful produce. They have a purple lettuce, which looks like our Boston.

We sat in the Marienplatz and watched the glockenspiel at eleven o'clock. The square was crowded and I heard more English spoken than I have since we've been here. After that we went to the Hofbrau and John and Dad had a liter mug of beer, I started John's, and still don't like it. The waitresses can carry five of those mugs in each hand, and one is heavy. Its a huge place, the oldest in Munich. The beer is made above the first floor, and it comes down a barrel at a time. A man drives a bung hole, and inserts a wooden spigot, and they draw from that, until its empty.

From there we walked around some more, ate chestnuts, did a little shopping then went to the Peterhof for lunch. Neat place, big square oak tables. Ray's cold is bad, he didn't want anything but had another beer. I wanted some soup but the orders were all so big. So I had some tea and shared John's lunch of Leberknodel, kraut, Ripschen, Weisswurst and Kartoffelbrei, and pretzels.

Went to the rest room, and still can't believe how clean they are. Every place except in the PX. Then I wanted to go back to a shop for a feather for a hat, and then we went to the Residence Museum. When Ludwig stayed in town, that's where we stayed. Saw the jewels and many church vessels. Beautiful things, many very intricate.

John had to go to the Post Exchange before five so we left the downtown and went to McGraw Kaserne, on the edge of town. After finishing there, it was pouring again, so we left to come back here in Berchtesgaden. I've been rained on so many times, my hair looks like Bette Midler's. Tomorrow we go back to Worms, and there is no time to get it done, so I am sitting in rollers and hoping I dry soon, so I can go to sleep.

Was sick as a dog for a couple of hours. Think it was the chestnuts and sauerkraut. Whatever, my gall bladder, liver, and everything else rebelled. After a while, after John piled blankets on me and I got warm, I finally went to sleep. I'm afraid he was cold as he'd taken the blankets from his bed.

Sunday, October 26

Felt queezy, but so much better. We went to the hotel for breakfast, as the car was all packed, we took off for Worms. John drove back by a longer route, so we could imprint the mountains on our minds. It had snowed the day before, up there, so they were covered with white. Unbelievably beautiful.

It was a nice day and we were back here about 2:30. John took me to the laundromat and I got the laundry done. The Schopflins (people who own the house) were home from Italy, and asked us to come up. A charming couple. Mrs. Schopflin speaks some English, but Mr. Schopflin understands so, while not speaking it.

We sampled two or three kinds of local wine, and Ray had a cigar and we talked. Frau Schopflin put her Loden coat and hat and scarf out, and Herr Schopflin helped me into them, so I could see how I'd look. She offered to let me wear some things if I needed them. He played the piano, and they sang, and as we left they sang Auf Wiedersehen. Delightful people, and they both seem to like John. She said she felt like his mother. We had a warm, pleasant visit.

Came back here [downstairs, a Mother-In-Law apartment], and fixed some scrambled eggs and cold cuts, and salad. Watched the football game for a while. Got ready to leave early in the morning.

Monday, October 27

Slept like a rock. Am dressed and waiting for Dad to get ready for breakfast. Becky [a lieutenant who sometimes goes on Volksmarches with John] is due around eight and were off to Baden Baden. Becky is tall, blond, and nice, She and I got in the back and talked all the way to Baden Baden. That's a pretty town. John drove around and found a hotel, The Regent, which was right in the center of town, and a pleasant German hotel. As soon as we were checked in, we went out for coffee and kuchen in a Konditori. You sit, and place your order for coffee or tea, then go to a counter and select the kuchen or torte you want, and the waitress brings it to the table with the coffee. That is served on a silver plate, with little tiny silver pitchers of cream, and packaged sugar lumps. Very elegant!

From there Becky and I went window shopping. The stores close for lunch from one to three. We met Ray and John at two thirty. Dad went to the hotel, and we walked to the Trinkhalle, and drank the water. Its 69° C and tasted salty. We all agreed it would be better with a little scotch, or a tea bag. By then we wandered some more and got back to the hotel about 6: PM.

Got cleaned up and went to a place called The Nest. Had a nice bottle of wine. Ray had a pork dinner, Becky a Gypsy steak, John some salmon, and I had a trout, parsley potatoes, and a salad. Boston lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbage, peppers, and cucumbers. Delicious.

From there we went to the casino. That is difficult to describe. Absolutely Rococo grandeur. Oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers the size of our dining room, and many Roulette tables, all busy, and two Black Jack tables, and one Baccarat. Such money being placed. We watched for quite a while, and tried to look like big spenders. Went to the bar and had a drink. They had a cold buffet table that was gorgeous. Becky and I went to the restrooms, expecting to find a place fit for Queen Elizabeth, and no, they must take her to a different one than the other people use. By then it was after eleven so we strolled back to the hotel to crawl under the feather ticks.

Tuesday, October 28

Woke up at seven, and breakfast came with the room, so we went downstairs to the coffee shop. Had fresh rolls, beautiful boiled ham, orange juice, jams, sour cream, cheese, liverwurst, and coffee. They eat over here.

Left the hotel and drove to Strasbourg, France. Saw the cathedral [Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg] with the Astrological Clock. When you think it was built and installed in the 1500s, you don't believe it.

It was cold walking around the plaza, so time for tea and coffee and fresh croissants. Then more wandering. Shopping, even window shopping, is fun here. Its all small shops and botiques. Even Cartiers is small. We left there around noon, and headed back to Baden Baden to go through the French PX. We had a rush trip as they too close for lunch until three. Becky had to get back to Weisbaden, so we headed back to Worms.

We stopped here to see the oldest synagogue in Western Europe, built in 1100. There was a sign saying the caretaker was sick, so we didn't get in to see it. Came back to the house. Becky left and we're due upstairs at the Schopflin's for neu wein and onion bread, at six.

Its called Zwiebelkuchen. Its a yeast bread, thin in a quiche pan, with chopped onions, lots of bacon, and caraway, with a beaten egg poured over. Something like a pizza - served hot and absolutely delicious. The wine for the women is only three days old, tastes something like apple cider. The men had that, and then some 8 day wine. It's supposed to be medicinal.

Mike Horton was due about seven, so we came down to wait for him. He's a barrel of energy, a great talker and laugher. A fun man. We went to Carlo's - had a super cordon bleu, and more wine - then came back here for another bottle or two. He left about eleven, to go back to his base [Bad Kreuznach], about 40 Km away.

Wednesday, October 29

Got up to watch the debate [Carter-Reagan Presidential Debate]. John had set the radio, then a little later the sound had waken him up, and he put on the TV. We weren't impressed with either one. The TV signed off when it was over, and I crawled back into bed for an hour.

We met Jimmy at the Bahnhof at 7:30 and headed for Rothenberg [ob der Tauber]. Heavy, gray skies, which we thought would break. By the time we got to the city, it was raining lightly. We parked and went to the Christmas Shop [Kathe Wohlfahrt's], where I did a little shopping. Then to a Konditori for tea and a Black Forest torte for me. Jimmy had Rothenberger ballen, John a Rum torte - dad only coffee. Shared a table with two girls who were there at the Gothe Institute, studying German.

From there we went to watch the clock strike eleven. When it does two windows open, showing a man with a three liter stein, in one and a nobleman in the other. The man had to drink the wine in one drought to save the city. After he does, the nobleman motions it's all right. Then the window closes.

The legend began in 1631, while the Thirty Years war was raging between Catholics and Protestants. Rothenburg, a Protestant town, was about to be overrun by a Catholic army. Just before the carnage was to begin, the Catholic general offered a deal. If anyone could drink a three-liter tankard of wine in one gulp, the town would be spared.

Rothenburg's mayor rushed forward to take the challenge. Mayor Nusch grabbed the tankard, swilled down the wine in one gulp, and passed out for three days while the town rejoiced over his extraordinary commitment to civic duty. This magic Meistertrunk moment is immortalized in the clock on the Councilors' Tavern on the Marktplatz. This is the same building where the tourist information office is located. At certain hours during the day, the clock's figures reenact Mayor Nusch's sacrificial gulp for his people while the Catholic general eggs him on.

From there we went to the historical museum. Rothenburg is a walled city, with most of the walls standing. You drive through a series of thick gates to get in or out. From there we went to the torture museum. Such horrors they performed, often for the least infractions. Saw a lot of instruments of torture, plus many decrees etc. By then it was raining hard, and the stores close until three, so we left.

Took another route and stopped in a little town of Uffenheim for lunch. Not the best place we've eaten. I had a bowl of goulash soup, Ray some sausages, John some brats, Jimmy a Jagerschnitzel, and they had beer while I had tea. We went back to the car in the rain and started home. Got back here about 4:40. Jimmy had a sandwich and left with John at six to get his train back to Meinz, and John to his class.

We've seen and done so much in these two weeks here. I'll need a couple of weeks at home to try and put it all in perspective. Its been the trip of a lifetime and I'll be eternally grateful to John for giving it to us.

<sup>When I first received US Army orders for my second tour in Germany, I approached my parents and invited them to visit me there. It would give both of them the opportunity to see their ancestral homeland. It would also give me the pleasure of being their guide. The first response I had to my invitation was a warm, "That would be nice... we'll see."

I knew I would need to have help swaying them to really accept the offer and I asked my brothers and sisters to also work on them. Dad was always reluctant to commit. He was always, Too busy to get away..." whenever. Finally, with the rest of the family badgering them, dad told mother that she could accept the invitation for them. Mother replied that he had been dragging his feet all the while and that he should write to me to tell me to get the tickets.

He did write and it has been a great disappointment that in my excitement I did not think to keep that letter. Dad thanked me for the invitation and told me how he and mother were looking forward to that trip. It was the only letter I remember having had from him and it would be priceless to me today. I did learn later through my siblings that dad would tell his fellow workers and friends how his son had given them the trip and how proud he was of that.

Mother kept a running journal of their adventure and Jane found the book in a box in her basement in April, 2007. What appears above is a transcript of her travels: [W John Schuck]</sup>

• Marriage: and celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, 15 Jul 1983, Chesterfield, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. ⁵³  
James Michael, Judith Ann, Raymond William, Kathryn Jane, Kathryn Edith (Kitty), William John, and Jarold Raymond

• Letter: from Fritz and Jean Jaeger to Jere and Susan Schuck, 17 Dec 2006, Marinette, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. ⁵⁴
Really enjoyed your Christmas letter- read it three times. So good to learn more about you.

When you get a chance would you send me any old copies you have via the eMail? Or some pictures so I can or just send me a chart with the kids names that are on the pictures. Make believe I was at a family re-union and introduce me to them with thumb nail sketches.

you refer to them by name but cant put the face to them except for the headmast - you only got one like that. You guys look good but the kids look great - like they should. We currently have some at every stage of life and it is the greatest think that ever happened and is happening to us... and your family helped us a lot -- thinking back generations that is.

Uncle Ray and Aunt Kitty lived on Newberry street across Grant street thru the neighbors yard, an alley next to Johnsons and there you were all of you with a nice garden of fresh corn and vegetables and lots of action was I lucky or what? 21 first cousins in Marinette when I was raised and you were 5 of them.

Uncle Rick, Aunt Marg and their 6 were on Pierce avenue 2 blocks away; the Scherer family lived across from the high school about 8 blocks I can remember for sure the count there; the Grills with 5 lived on Stanton about one block east (5 there) Uncle Chris and Aunt Emma with their five lived next door to the Aerial on Hosmer Street with 5 more and Uncle Lee and Aunt Elda Olsen lived on Lake Street in the heart of Menekaunee with Paul Lee Jr, Donna Mae. And there were the Lindsays that I didn't know as well but went to school with them...and it fills it out plenty enough to help raise me to what I am.

When your family lived on Carney at the beginning I spent a lot of nights there. Many times your dad and some of you would walk to Peterson's Drug Store about 10 blocks to get butter pecan ice cream... what a treat we would enjoy with much love and laughter. Uncle Ray and Aunt Kitty were the most fun of all the Uncles and Aunts... for kids like me... And when my mom and dad were on a territory or on the road I might find a note on our door, "Go over and spend a few nights with the kids and your Uncle Ray and Aunt Kitty -- will see you Friday, Love Mom"

And I did it and it was a treat because Aunt Betty was 10 years older and married and lived on Liberty Street with uncle Gil... and I was a latch key guy before we heard the expressions of today but every one didn't have as many cousins and aunts and uncles like I did... they weren't that lucky as me.

I run on... but sure glad for the letter, please keep Jean and I on the list.

Love your Dad's sense of humor and your Mom's talent and vigor... she was like another sister to me... my favorite one.

Love Fritz

  Marriage Notes:

Dad was working for the Treasurer's office of the City of Chicago. We had met when Aunt Biz was working at the Stevens Hotel, and was dating Ray Delp, who was working for the Grey Line Tours Sightseeing. Dad was working summers as a Tour Guide. Anyhow, we decided to get married. Dad was earning a magnificent salary of $45.00 per week. By December his job was eliminated and there just weren't any jobs at any salary. Finally late in Jan we went to Joliet. By March I was pregnant, which I surely didn't need. In June I left and went to Marquette, Michigan where Uncle John and Aunt Laura were trying to run a hotel. That didn't work, and by late fall I was in Chicago where Jim was born. Uncle Fred went to Joliet and got Dad and put him to work at the Aerial at $40.00 per month. WPA paid $44.00, but we managed somehow. We lived on veal at 10 cents per pound and potatoes and rutabagas which Uncle Rick kept bringing home. Finally Dad got raised to $60.00 per month and we moved to a heated flat on Carney Blvd, and my mother lived with us. The twins were born there.

By the time Jim was going on four, we moved to Newberry, where you were born. Mother went to Chicago, while we were moving, and died shortly after she'd arrived at Aunt Gert's, where Aunt Biz lived with Gert and Bill. Then Plouffs' had to sell the big house and they wanted the little house, so we moved to the house on Carney, where Jane was born. Thompsons lived a couple doors from us, and Kerskie's next door. Clarice Kerskie died about a month ago. We lived there 8 years and then a year in that terrible house on Logan, and froze to death. Continue later, some of this hurts too much, I can't handle it right now.
^{[Kathryn Scherer Schuck]}


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I suddenly remember that I went to Chicago and stayed with the newlyweds in the tiniest apartment I ever saw. There was a garbage drop door in the wall above the sink. Little did I know there was a matching door in the hall. As I put the garbage in, your Dad grabbed my hand from the hall. I was so surprised and had hysterics. What a nite that was and how sorry he was. Another memory nugget for you. Your Dad was still working for the bus company and had some of his friends over, so the apartment was full. I had forgotten your Dad was a trickster and a tease.
^{[Betty Jaeger Gilbertson]}


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16 Nov 1945
Himeji Japan
Naval Air Station

Hi Aunt Kitty and Uncle Ray -
Jim Jer Judy John & Jane (by order of rank)

Greetings from Commando Bong Jaeger - Heck, already I've destroyed more planes than Maj. Bong - 25 yesterday - all fighters too - latest type - "George" some Zeroes & Berries too - l300 Machine guns - bomb sights - gee - do I ever have fun -

Spent most of this morning teaching the new replacements how to take their carbines apart to clean them - this battery is about 90% replacements - including officers - 5 of the 6 officers joined the battery since last week - all the old officers are now on their way home - this Div fought thru New Guinea - Philippines -

So - we have a real job on our hands - our replacements were Inf. basics - have never even seen an artillery piece fired - Joe & I are the only officers in the battery who can fire the battery on any problems - the others have never fired indirect fire - so you can see what type of troops MacArthur has over here -

These Japs arc crazy little people - Joe is like a giant & I even feel pretty big - there aren't many troops here - our Bn. - about 400 men - is responsible for a strip about 30 miles wide - from the East coast to the West - & we are on the main island of Honshu - this Jap lingo is kinda tough - but I am learning a few phrases -

Quite a contrast here - lots of electricity - modern transformers & sub-station - hi tension wires all over - and right under the wires some farmer is tilling a field - about 20 yds long & 15 wide - cause there are 20 other farmers in the same area - he either pulls the plow himself - or he has a (caribou)? - old dirt roads - people pulling their carts along on them - then a powerful toot here comes the police chief in a Packard - he is top man in the village - and then too - the ever present Jeep - the people are very poor - they work hard & earn 6-8 yen a day - 1 yen equals about 6 2/3¢ -

We are paid in Jap invasion currency & American money is taboo -
I found a couple of swell cases of china - we are using them in our mess - I was afraid to ship them home -

My room is cozy - stove - chintz curtains (I hung em myself) desk - cot - wardrobe - lamps - drawers - pictures on the wall even - I've got 4 cute kids rite over the desk - kind of an aim in my postwar planning - & I'm still waiting for the 5th picture - make my planning more interesting.

Love and Kisses
Fritz

P.S. We have all the Jap beer we can drink - every G. I. has a case - they say it is OK - I say so too.
^{[Frederick Henry Jaeger II]}


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I think it was a Scherer trait that you swap kids from time to time, I know there was a considerable amount of it done when we were kids. It was very frequent especially for Mary and I. Dad would put me on the train and we would take the "milk run" to Marinette. We sometimes would be all alone but we never thought about it. Aunt Kitty or Uncle Ray would be at the other end to pick us up. It was neat and I enjoyed the trips.

I have a strawberry story to tell , your story about the Strawberry Hat reminded me of it. One day while I was visiting I was riding one of you around in a stroller. It was a hot, hot sticky day and we wanted something cold and something to eat. Jimmy said, "what are we going have for supper? I'm getting hungry." You mom said, "Jim, it’s too darn hot to cook and it’s too darn hot to eat so we're having strawberry shortcake." This seemed like quite a diversion to me because my dad, being a meat and potatoes type guy, always had that at least once a day, no matter what the weather. But this day your mother plunked down the most humoungous strawberry shortcake, piled higher than I ever saw one and it was loaded with berries and whipped cream. It was luscious and it was the first time I ever had a whole dinner of strawberry shortcake.

I always remember Ray as a smooth talker who was always happy to see us and always made us feel really welcome. I especially remember that he constantly had his wonderful pipe in his mouth. It was really his trademark. ^{[Barbara Scherer Harp]}


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Kitty Is Home

It seems only a few ‘’yesterdays’’ since I was in the depot in Chicago to catch the Chicago and Northwestern ‘400’ back home. The announcement ‘’...train for the Twin Cities now boarding on Track 14,’’ started me reaching for my bags when mother said ‘’that’s not for Marinette ­ Menominee, that is for Minneapolis ­ St. Paul.’’ How could they do that? The only twin cities I knew were the Wisconsin and Michigan cities bordering the Menominee River and the Green Bay. I had grown up there all my life! it was home and had always been so. Now we were coming home to our twin cities again.

My brothers and sisters and I had returned seven years ago to bring dad to rest at Forest Home. We boys live on both coasts now and in Missouri. Both girls live in Wisconsin but then there was no opportunity to stay long. We did notice that our old Pierce Avenue house was about to collapse and that the ‘mountain’ we used to sled down at City Park had grown considerably shorter than our mind’s eye remembered. Other than that, we were busy and had to go on with our lives. Yesterday we again returned to bring mother home. We brought her to rest alongside dad. She had been at his side for 57 years.

Born at St. Joseph’s in Menominee, she grew up in Marinette. Like her brother and sisters, she also went to Our Lady of Lourdes. She had to work very hard to finish with her classmates. She and her sister had moved to Chicago during high school but they each returned to Marinette to live with older sisters in their senior year to finish with their friends. After school she returned to Chicago to work. There she met dad, and went back again to Marinette to marry him. She raised the five of us among family and friends and stayed until all were almost grown before moving to many temporary cities because of dad’s nomadic career. They settled down, finally, in Madison but still she often returned home to see family and friends.

Mom would have loved the gathering after mass. The children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were there to say good-bye. So were her nephews and nieces,... and old school friends too. We met her newest granddaughter Jill, only a month away from a July wedding with Steve. In some ways’ mom was there. In the laughter and memories of everyone. In the confusion of the day. At one time her voice sounded like Jane as she directed the hotel staff to set up more tables, ‘’we have more family coming.’’ Another time her voice was Jim’s as he directed the unenthusiastic staff to serve what the family asked, they were paying good money for the service.

She would have laughed with her chicks as they went off to Victory Beach to be together and watch the children swim. She would have favored the choice to change to Henes Park, our old favorite. Our convoy of six cars drove past the entrance. It has been 40 years since dad would take off his jacket, loosen his tie ­ just a little, roll up his cuffs two turns and get comfortable for a picnic there. We put Amanda and Kyle in the water and took off our shoes and socks and waded in with them. Then, deciding to have supper together, the Schucks took off on another adventure.

We thought of going to Schlöegles, a ‘new’ place but then it was suggested that we go to the old Silver Dome which brought back thoughts of an elegant place to dine. We were off to the races! Some to their hotel to change clothes and some to go ahead and make reservations for sixteen in what should obviously be a crowded restaurant. When the advance party arrived there was not one car in the lot of the now faded nightspot. The menu had Marinette Mexican and alligator and when the bartender was asked how the food was she replied, ‘’not bad.’’
 
Both the choice remark and the dilapidated state of the place set us off back across the Menekaunee Bridge to Michigan and Schlöegles but it was now after eight and the sidewalk had been rolled up. Jim remembered seeing another place across from Victory Beach so we took off and descended on the place ten minutes before closing. Rushing in to set a reservation for sixteen to a wide-eyed kitchen staff of a café ready to close, we soon found that Jim had made arraignments at a different place a few doors away. We were too tired to move! We stayed and talked. Mother would have enjoyed the humor of it all.

All told, it was a day of reminiscing. Family had been together, new members had been welcomed, old members had been seen again, some for the first time in forty years. Yesterday we all returned to the twin cities. Kitty is home. ^{[Wm. John Schuck] 55 56 57 58 59}