Dennis M. Schuchardt

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Michael Schuchardt, age 82, on October 15, 2026 at his home in Appleton, Wisconsin surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Dennis was born on November 16, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of the late Sarah and Roy Schuchardt. As a young boy, he loved playing cowboys and going to Saturday matinee movies with his sisters. Much later in life he renewed his interest in watching The Lone Ranger. Dennis attended the University of Wisconsin of Oshkosh, where he met his wife, Sarah, and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Dennis dedicated his life in service to others, beginning with his decades long career as a Probation and Parole Officer for the state of Wisconsin. Dennis was a passionate advocate for his peers, recognizing they deserved protections similar to that of other public servants. This led Dennis to coordinate the founding of the Wisconsin Association of Probation and Parole Agents (WAPPA), of which he was the founding President. Through WAPPA, Dennis and his peers influenced legislation granting protective status in 1998. The many friendships that he made over the course of his career were long standing and especially important to him after his retirement in 1999.

Dennis’ life of service extended to volunteerism through the Grab and Go program at St. Joseph's Church and the community St. Joseph Food Program, as well as a reading tutor for the Appleton Area School District and teaching English as a second language through Literacy Education Services, Inc.

Dennis was committed to his health, and as such, was a regular at the Appleton YMCA, where he made many special friendships sharing coffee three times a week with many of them. Training for and running the Fox Cities Marathon at the age 50 was a special accomplishment for him. Dennis also appreciated music across a variety of genres, enjoying several live performances over the years and influencing the musical preferences of his family. He was a primarily self-taught guitar player and would play for his own enjoyment as long as his fingers would allow.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sarah; two daughters, Katy (Paul) Holdredge, Nan (Scott) Thomae; three grandchildren, Finn Holdredge, Beatrix Thomae, and Sloane Thomae; his sister, Jean (Ron) Falter; along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him greatly but will fondly remember his special brand of humor. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded by his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Charlie Osborn, and brothers-in-law, David and Don Mueller.

We are greatly thankful for the loving and compassionate care provided by the staff from Compassus Hospice, especially his aide, Ashley. We knew from the first meeting that she was going to be great fit.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral services at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, November 6th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St., Appleton. All are welcome to join the family for lunch following the service. A private burial for family will be held afterward at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Joseph Food Program or Grab and Go at www.saintjosephparish.org or 920-734-7195 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.