A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life is announced by the family. Friends will gather Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church, 1305 Humboldt Ave., Sheboygan. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00AM with a mass to follow.
Donald “Pat” Christel, 92, formerly of Sheboygan, passed away at his home in Brussels, 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 Transpo Services, Inc., retiring in 1991 and was lucky enough to relish 31 years of retirement.
While he enjoyed many things, Pat’s number one priority was spending time with his family. Lifelong memories were made 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 often be found “puttering and tinkering” in his work shed. He was a “jack-of-all-trades” and could fix or reinvent almost anything. Family and friends will never forget his unique sense of humor. Pat loved to tell jokes, although they were often met with eye rolling and groans because of their repetitive nature. It was more enjoyable watching him laugh at his own 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, Paula (Mark) Daane; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren (with 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 also preceded in death by a brother, Cliff (his wife, Caroline) Christel; a sister-in-law, Fran (her husband, Chuck) Robinson; and a sister-in-law, Enid Schuette; along with many friends.
A memorial fund is being established in Pat’s name.
