Harold “Hal” Schrage, age 93, of Tomahawk, passed away on Nov. 6, 2019, in the community he loved with family by his bedside.
Hal was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 29, 1925, the only child of Christian Martin Schrage & Gertrude Baumbach. He grew up in Milwaukee, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1943.
He served in the Navy in WWII as a Quarter Master second class aboard the troop transport the USS Bowie in the South Pacific Theatre. He received an honorable discharge when the war ended in 1946.
Using his GI Bill from the service, he earned his BS and MS In Social Work and Recreation Leadership from the University of Wisconsin. He went on to earn a PhD In Higher Education Administration from the University of Minnesota. While attending UW, he married the love of his life, Phyllis J. Spear, on Sept. 3, 1949.
Hal used his education to help and teach others. He worked with disadvantaged youth at the Elliot Park Neighborhood House and the physically and mentally challenged adults and children at the Wisconsin Easter Seal Camp Wawbeek, then becoming a professor of Social Work and Parks and Recreation at the University of Missouri, George Williams College and Aurora University, before retiring in 1992.
In retirement, he and Phyllis moved to Tomahawk, where he has lived on Lake Mohawksin for the last 27 years. During his time here, he has enjoyed participating in many activities including the VFW Honor Guard, American Legion, member of the United Methodist Church, Town of Bradley Planning Commission, Friends of Lake Mohawksin, and many others when he wasn’t out fishing or spending time with family and friends.
Hal was a man of great integrity who believed in education and helping others. He took pride in what he did, from his service to his country and his community, to the college degrees he held and the people he touched along the way.
He was a devoted husband, a loving father and role model to their four sons, as well as a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the scout master for his sons’ troops, who all reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Tomahawk was the place where all the family’s children learned to swim, canoe, drive boats, water ski and of course fish. Hal loved to fish with family and friends. From the honeymoon to retirement, there was only one place he wanted to be, and that was here in Tomahawk.
He is survived by his children – Gregg (Paula) Schrage of Glen Ellyn, IL, Scott (Sharon) Schrage of Parker, CO, Todd (Cindi) Schrage of Wheaton, IL and Kipp (Lisa) Schrage of Lisle, IL. He is further survived by 12 grandchildren – Chad, Shana, Trevor, Kyle, Brant, Matthew, Tyler, Stephen, Melanie, Brad, Caitlin and Rachel; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also by his cousin George Kupfer of Grays Lake, Ill. He is preceded in death by his parents and dear wife – Phyllis.
The Funeral Service with Military Honors for Harold “Hal” Schrage will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Pastor Insun Lee will officiate. Visitation will take place on the evening of Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Please join us at the Pine Tree Super Club for a celebration of Hal’s life after the services.
Memorials appreciated to Tomahawk VFW, United Methodist Church, Honor Guard or Friends of Lake Mohawksin.
Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view more details on Hal’s life and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.