Walter "Butch" Joseph Schielke

Walter “Butch” Joseph Schielke died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones on July 27, 2022. He was born on March 29, 1947 in Antigo a son of the late Walter and Stella (Schroepfer) Schielke. He married Ellen Mikkelson on May 11, 1965, she survives. Butch worked as a welder/fabricator for many years before a tragic accident left him blind. His pride and joy were his wife and family. Losing his vision did not stop him from living a full life and continuing to teach his family valuable skills. July 2022 is his 50th anniversary of winning his first demolition derby, a sport he loved and passed on to his sons. He spent 50 years building cars and trailers to travel the countryside with his family supporting the sport that made strangers become family. He loved the last week of July, as that was a longstanding “Fair Week”. It’s only appropriate that the Lord would call him home on “Derby Week”. Butch was a mentor and father figure not only to his family but to everyone who knew him. In addition to demolition derbies, he loved music, shoveling snow, babysitting the grandchildren, listening to the radio, spending time with his family, talking on the telephone, and watching Gunsmoke. In addition to his wife, Butch is survived by 2 sons; Randy (Shelly), Jeff (Bree) both of Antigo, 2 daughters; Paula (Chris) Shielke-Roman, Lisa Volkman both of Antigo, 6 grandchildren; Arika (Travis) Alft, Shandah (Randy) Stewart, Wyatt Schielke, Taylor Schielke, Jett Hoeft, Alec Schielke all of Antigo, 4 great grandchildren; Trayson, Zylah, Watson, Barrett, a sister: Kathy (Jim) Reh of Necedah, many friends, extended family, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Julie Clark, a sisters-in-law Jeanette Steinke, Betty Mikkelson, brothers-in-law Willie Clark and LaMoine Hauser. A private celebration of life will be announced at a later date.