Alan J. Schley, age 66 of the Town of Bear Creek, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Froedtert Hospital, Wauwatosa surrounded by his family.
Alan Jon Schley
August 7, 1956 - September 4, 2022
Alan “Al” Jon Schley, gifted storyteller, ignorer of time, mechanical expert, crafter of made-up words, and accomplished traveler, passed away on Sunday, September 4th, 2022 surrounded by family, love, and memories.
Al could fix anything and everything. If there wasn't a part for it, he made it himself. Never once, was a plumber or electrician called to come fix something. From farm equipment, electrical, hydraulic, to whatever, he knew it all and he passed his talent and knowledge onto his son. He picked up and used this knowledge throughout his life, first as a dairy farmer on the family farm, then running his own custom welding shop, then finally in heavy equipment maintenance at Great Lakes Veneer where he happily retired in 2021.
Al loved to talk with friends and neighbors, tell stories and share colorful jokes. His storytelling often left him running late to clean up for many a wedding reception or get-together, to the loving annoyance of his lifelong love, Deb. He married Debra Eileen Hidde (he wasn't late to this one) on May 5th, 1984, at Christus Lutheran Church where he was also baptized and confirmed. Al and Deb had two children, Jeff Schley and Laura Schley. His greatest joys were his kids, to whom he taught many important lessons.
Al was a master at all things mechanical and was unhurried and methodical when it came to crafting or fixing something. He enjoyed spending all hours of the day and night in the shop with Jeff restoring tractors and telling some of the best stories over a Friday night fish fry with friends and family - complete with a brandy old-fashioned sweet with olives and cherries.
Al traveled extensively. Forming many memories along the way with his wife and family to all sorts of destinations from Pikes Peak, England, Arizona, Costa Rica, Kentucky, and many more. Some trips took him far and wide around the globe, and yet some of the best sights seen were enjoying sunsets on the glider in the backyard with a drink in one hand and Deb's hand in the other.
Al is survived by his wife, Deb; children, Jeff and Laura; siblings, Ann Fuller and Cynthia Schley; sister-in-law, Pat Schley; mother-in-law, Bonnie Hidde; faithful dog, Buster; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Betty Schley, brother, Matt Schley; father-in-law, Harold Hidde, and quality pup, Diesel.
Pastor Zobel of St. Martin Lutheran Church led a private service for the family held on September 6th, 2022. A celebration of life will be held on October 9th, 2022 at Clintonville Community Center starting at 1:00 pm.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Appleton Medical Center as well as the Froedtert Milwaukee CVICU staff who took great care of him these past few months.
It's only goodbye for now, and we know you're in good company. There's lots of catching up for you to do and tinkering to be done, so until we meet again you are forever in our hearts and memories and we will continue to enjoy the sunsets though we wish you were here.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Schley family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.