Donald Patrick Christel
Donald “Pat” Christel, 92, formerly of Sheboygan, passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on January 8, 2022. He was born March 11, 1929, in Brillion, Wisconsin, the oldest child of the late Roman and Erna (Becker) Christel.
On June 17, 1950, Pat married the love of his life, Betty Jane Schuette. He affectionately referred to her as his “Cuppy Cake”. Their marriage was a true love story right to the end. They were blessed with 71 years together and left a legacy of what a loving family looks like to their six adoring daughters. Pat started working at Chair City Motor Express at the age of 14 and worked there until the business closed in 1982. He continued his career at Transpro Services, Inc., retiring in 1991 and enjoyed 31 years of retirement. While he enjoyed many things, Pat’s number one priority was spending time with his family. Lifelong memories were built at his parent’s home on Lake Winnebago. He was at the helm of many boats, enjoying trips to various ports on Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and Lake Winnebago. Pat could be found “puttering and tinkering” in his work shed. He was a “jack-of-all-trades”, and he could fix or reinvent almost anything. Family and friends will never forget his unique sense of humor. Pat loved to tell jokes, although at times they were met with groans because of their repetitive nature. Many times, it was more enjoyable watching him laugh at his jokes than the joke itself.
Pat is survived by his wife, Betty; his “practically perfect” daughters, Diane Christel, Karin (Bill) Graf, Maria (Tom) D’Amico, Laura (Keith) Ryskoski, Barbara (Eric) Grutzner, and Paula (Mark) Daane; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren (and one more on the way). He is further survived by his brother, Bruce (Joye) Christel; a sister, Joelle (Tom) Myers; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Quinn.
In addition to his parents and in-laws, Chet and Marjorie Schuette, Pat was preceded in death by a brother, Cliff, and his wife Caroline; a sister-in-law, Fran, and her husband Chuck; a sister-in-law, Enid Schuette; along with many friends.
Services for Pat will be announced at a later date. On-line condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com. A memorial will be established in Pat’s name.
Pat’s family extends their gratitude to Unity Hospice of De Pere, with a very special word of thanks to Pat’s nurse Leah.