Lester "Shorty" Schuett

Lester “Shorty” Schuett, 87 years young, lifelong resident of Ashippun, passed away surrounded by loved ones at Angel’s Grace Hospice October 4, 2024. He was born at home in Ashippun February 7, 1937 to Raymond and Laura Schuett.

Shorty is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol Schuett(ne Raether); daughter Brenda Lau, son-in-law Wilky Lau of Venice Beach, CA; grandson Davis Lau; stepsister Beatrice Wilson; along with many loving family and friends. Shorty is preceded in death by his dear son Dr. John Schuett, sister Lucille Schwartz, Stepsister Dolores Kulke, his parents and stepmother, Gertrude.

A graduate of Oconomowoc High School’s class of 1954 where he played football and played trumpet in the Marching Band. Shorty embarked on a successful career as a UPS Driver for 44 years and served as the Teamsters Union Steward. Shorty’s side job was being a farmer, known for bailing hay and raising pigs. Earlier in life he held positions at Pagenkopf’s Funeral Home & Furniture, set pins at Radtke’s Rec, Oconomowoc Electroplating and had a snowplowing business.

A true Green Bay Packers fan, Shorty held season tickets since the 1950s and rarely missed a home game. His adventurous spirit took him and Carol on over 40 ocean cruises, where they made countless friends from around the world.

Shorty was well-known for his signature "Shorty Corn," a special treat he lovingly prepared and shared with everyone he met. He brought it to fundraisers, gatherings, and even his doctor's appointments—spreading joy with each handful.

Shorty led an active life and played softball, bowling, fishing, boating, tennis, water skiing, horseshoes and exercised daily on his elliptical and Airdyne bike. He collected toy trucks, family heirlooms, tractors, and more. He gave back to the community, collecting donations for the Ashippun Food Pantry, competing in Ashippun Fire Departments Water Fights, decorating the Ashippun Christmas Tree, serving meals at Watertown’s Bread & Roses, assisting judges at the Dodge County Fair and participated in the Ashippun History Committee.

He enjoyed attending concerts, musical theater, dining out, hosting dinner parties, vacationing at Afterglow Lake Resort, singing karaoke, playing sheepshead, various board games, gambling trips and dancing.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashippun, Shorty was passionate about his faith community, serving on the church council, assisting minister, greeting parishioners, singing in the choir, bible study, donating land for a new parsonage, volunteering for Oktoberfest and various other church activities. He enjoyed helping the Oconomowoc Women’s Club with fundraisers, selling the most raffle tickets, wearing his tuxedo to assist the models up the podium at the Style Show, and supporting the Trivia Fundraiser.

Shorty’s outgoing personality, twinkling eyes, and warm smile lit up every room he entered. He never met a stranger and loved helping others. Wherever his travels took him, he made friends and left a lasting impression. He was often referred to by close friends and family as the “mayor,” indicating that he was running for office and had to talk to everyone he met.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ashippun Food Pantry, Ashippun Fire Department and Ventures in People (c/o Zion Lutheran Church, po box 254, Ashippun WI 53003) in Shorty's name are appreciated.

A visitation to celebrate Shorty's life will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Another visitation will take place the following morning from 11:00am-12:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church (N557 Main St, Ashippun, WI 53003), where a touching service in honor of Shorty's life will follow.