Donald Charles Schaetz

Donald Charles Schaetz, 66, of White Oak, died Thursday, November 15, 2001 at Good Shepherd Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Arrangements are being made by Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Mr. Schaetz was born in Morrison, Wisconsin on February 17, 1935. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janice Samse Schaetz; son, Don Schaetz and wife, Laura of Longview; daughter, Kim Combest and her husband, Dennis of Henderson; daughter, Pam Abney and her husband, David of Longview; son, Bob Schaetz and his wife, Laurie of Longview; and son, Tom Schaetz and his wife, Melissa of White Oak. He is also survived by brother, Richard Schaetz and his wife Dorothy of Kohler, Wisconsin; brother Gerald Schaetz and his wife Marilyn of Green Bay, Wisconsin; sister, Joann Kluth of New Franklin, Wisconsin; and brother Daniel Schaetz and his wife Doreen of Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Schaetz was blessed with fifteen grandchildren: Daniel, Drew, Dillon, and Larissa Schaetz; Curtis and Kyle Combest; Austin and Cody Abney; Lindsay, Joseph, Nicholas, Zachary, and Christopher Schaetz; and Jennifer and Aaron Schaetz. He had 16 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Edna Schaetz. After he served in the U. S. Air Force from 1955-1959, Mr. Schaetz attended the University of Wisconsin. Moving from Green Bay, Wisconsin to Texas twenty-six years ago, Donald Schaetz started East Texas Auto Air and Glass in 1980 with his former partner, R. L. Miller. The business has grown and involved most of his children in its success. He always enjoyed woodworking and creating beautiful bird houses. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. A rosary will be held at Rader Funeral Home at 7:00 PM Sunday, November 18, followed by visitation. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 19 at Saint Matthews Catholic Church, with Reverend John Flynn celebrating the mass of Christian burial. Graveside service will immediately follow at Rosewood Park. Pallbearers will be Daniel, Drew and Dillon Schaetz; Curtis and Kyle Combest; and Tim Tidmore. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin and Cody Abney; and Joseph Schaetz. Donations may be made to Saint Matthews Catholic Church of Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation.

Donald Charles Schaetz

February 17, 1935 - November 15, 2001