West Bend, Wi – With full hearts and lasting memories, we celebrate the remarkable life of Donald Schacht who passed away on October 16, 2025, surrounded by love, at the age of 94.
He was born in West Bend on February 25, 1931 to Lester and Bernice (Averill) Schacht. He married Charlotte Feucht on September 12, 1953 in Leroy, WI. Married for 33 years, they raised three daughters: Susan Schmuhl, Patrice Starrett, and Jodi (William) Wiesneski. Don married Carol Toepfer on March 23, 1990, and gained an additional five members as a blended family: Beth (Steve) Ettl, Janine (Peter) Selten, Mary (Joe) Lyden, John Toepfer, and Steve Toepfer. He is survived by 20 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Roets and Joyce Guse, and two brothers-in-law, Norman Schmidt and David (Sue) Rohlinger. He was predeceased by his first wife Charlotte, two sons-in-law, Dennis Schmuhl and William Starrett, three grandsons and his two sisters and one brother.
He enlisted in the Army and served active duty from January 1949 through July 1950, prior to the Korean War, while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
He returned to West Bend, WI, and worked for over 40 years at the Gehl Company.
He enjoyed his retirement by golfing, cooking, playing cards, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
He kept sharp by playing solitaire on the computer and doing word searches. He had a generous, loving spirit, kind smile (smirk), and always a twinkle in his eye. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
We invite all who knew Don to join us for a celebration of life on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. Eighth Avenue in West Bend, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m.
Donations may be made in Don’s name to The Kathy Hospice in West Bend. Our family would like to express our appreciation for the great care and comfort they provided in his final days.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Schmidt Funeral Home for their compassionate care and guidance during this time. Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.
