Bruce Schommer

Bruce Schommer - "Buzz" - Our Dad: Buzz, Buzzy, Pop, Daddy-O, Grampa, Gramps, Great-Grampa Buzz Lightyear, left his earthly home on Oct. 5, 2024, to meet his “Amazing Grace” in heaven. He was born April 1, 1933, a proud “April Fool’s” baby, to Lambert and Maybelle (Rohm) Schommer. Buzz grew up on the “west side” of Little Chute, attending both St. John grade and high schools, graduating in 1951. On July 7, 1955, he married Grace Jansen, an “east sider,” who became his bride of 64 years. A Marquette University graduate, Buzz worked several jobs before purchasing Essential Products Corporation-EZ Glide from his father in 1977. The family business grew and was passed onto his sons who are now passing it onto theirs. Buzz proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Austria. He became a member of the American Legion Post 258 in Little Chute. A busy, fun-loving guy, Buzz belonged to the “Skulls” gang, a scuba diving club, snowmobile, and fishing groups; Fox Valley Golf Club; and taught his kids how to hunt and fish along with many other activities. He holds the honor of being an inductee of the St John Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Buzz and Grace were blessed to have been able to build their forever home on Legend Lake in Keshena. Since 1978 the family has spent countless “Happy Hours” there and in 1991 they moved there permanently, lovingly welcoming family, friends and fun. That legacy continues. A faithful man, Buzz is a lifelong member of St. John Nepomucene and belonged to St. Michael Parish in Keshena before returning to the valley. Together Buzz and Grace raised five children which led to 18 grandchildren and 26.5 great-grandchildren to date. Scott and Kathii Schommer and their family: David and Katie Schommer, Tara and Chris DePrey, Peter and Tess Schommer, Joe Schommer (Special friend Irving); Judd and Christy Schommer and their family: Amie and Joe Fischer, Matt and Megan Schommer, Kayla and Jake Locy, Rhea Schommer (Special friend Adam); Todd and Sue Schommer and their family: Becky and Joe Marquardt, Stuart Schommer, Kurt and Jacqueline Schommer, Lisa Schommer; Ann and Bob Olson and their family: Jill and Marco Tellez, Jackson and Kayla Olson, Conrad Olson, Brenna Olson; Nedd and Jill Schommer and their family: Samuel Schommer (fiancé Caitlin), Max and Becca Schommer. Buzz is further survived by a sister-in-law: Joyce Anderson; many dear nieces and nephews, especially Rick VanderWyst. Buzz was preceded in death by Grace; his parents; Grace’s parents: Henry and Marian Jansen; a sister: Carol (Rich) VanderWyst; sister-in-law: Regina (Dick) Ludwig; and brother-in-law:. Andy Anderson. The funeral service was held Oct. 12 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Rock Cancer c/o The Spierings Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 171, Little Chute, WI 54140. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. The Schommer family extends their sincere gratitude to ALL the staff at St. Paul Elder Services, Villa and Manor and the Hospice team; his card-playing crew; the volunteers; the clergy. Special thanks to PCA Sharri M; Hospice nurses Corrine and Lindsey. You all helped us to navigate the last years of Dad’s life with love and dignity. There was no better place for him to be. “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in” credit MV

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com