Melvin “Butch” A. Schiller, 79, of Pittsville, passed away on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 at home surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18th, 2023 at 11 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pittsville, WI with Pastor Gary Markworth officiating. Military rite will be conducted by American Legion Post 153 – Pittsville at the church following the service. Visitation will be held from 9 A.M. until time of service. He will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery at a later date.
Butch was born on August 25th, 1943 in the Town of Richfield, Wood County to Harold and Mary (Trachte) Schiller. Mel attended Good Cheer Elementary School in the Town of Wood, Wood County.
In 1963, Butch enlisted in the Army where he would serve until his honorable discharge in 1966. Butch completed his basic training at Fort Gordon, GA. For much of his service during the Vietnam Era, Butch was stationed in Germany. From there he was transferred to Fort Lewis, WA where he finished out his army tour of three years being an instructor to train soldiers going to Vietnam on how to use the M16 rifle. Melvin was proud to serve our country and proud of being a veteran. He was able to go on his honor flight to Washington DC in October 2022 with his daughter Tonya, niece Candy, and brother-in-law Glenn. He was so happy and stated multiple times it was a once in a lifetime experience.
On August 29th, 1970, Melvin married Mary Bray at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pittsville. Mel and Mary were able to spend 49 happy years together. Butch made a career at Nekoosa Paper Mill (Domtar Paper) where he eventually became the supervisor of the Craftmill. After retirement, Butch enjoyed traveling, especially to California to see Ronnie and Gena. Butch always had beautiful vegetable gardens and an immaculate yard every summer. You could always catch Butch and Mary out for an evening stroll on their golf cart. Wisconsin Dells, Crockett’s Campground trips, and motocross outings with the grandkids were plentiful each and every summer.
Butch is survived by his two children: Tonya (Jim Jr.) Weinfurter and Troy (Jammie) Schiller all of Pittsville. He is further survived by six grandchildren: Jordan (Mercedes) Schiller; Derek, Derren, Dylan, and Tori Weinfurter; and Rylee Schiller; and two great granddaughters: Aubree and Bailee Schiller. Additionally, Butch is survived by one brother: Russ (Bev) Schiller of Pittsville; brother in laws: Glenn Brueggeman of Marshfield, Bill (Charlotte) Bray of Harrison, AR, and Ron (Gena) Bray of Camarillo, CA; sister-in-laws: Sarah Bray of Medford, Lois “Tootie” Fait of Milwaukee, and Candi Czaikowski of Wisconsin Rapids. Butch is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also loved his two favorite kitty companions Mimir and Molly.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; two brothers: Elwood and Dale; two sisters: Darlene and Sharon, sister-in-laws: Hazel Schiller and Ruth Morzewski; brother in-laws: Art Bray Jr., Bob Bray, Roger Bray, and Erv Morzewski Sr.
Butch’s family would like to thank the sweet souls on 8 North at Marshfield Medical Center, especially nurse Jaylyn, and the caring staff at Compassus Hospice. Buchanan/Rembs Funeral Home will be assisting Melvin’s family.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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