William H. "Bill" Schuth, Sr.

Bill Schuth, 88, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, in Winona, MN. He was born on March 17, 1936, to Herman August Schuth and Luella Frances (Ratajczyk) at Winona General Hospital. 

Bill graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1954 and shortly after began serving four years in the U.S. Navy. Two of those years he served in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Bayfield. 

On December 14, 1957, he married Ethel Mary Duellman of Fountain City, WI, in Chula Vista, CA, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. After Honorable Discharge, they returned to Winona where Bill earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and later a Master’s Degree from Winona State University.

After graduation the family moved to West Salem, WI, where Bill began his teaching career at West Salem High School, taught Business Education and coached the W.S.H.S. Panthers Basketball team. Bill and Ethel made dear, life-long friends there before returning to Winona in 1969, when he started teaching Business Education at Winona Senior High School, to the many students he enjoyed so much, along with his fellow teachers who became good friends. Bill retired from teaching in 1994. 

He was a member of the VFW, the Society of Forty and Eight, and served as Commander at the American Legion Post 9. He was also a member of the American Legion’s Honor Guard for many years. Bill was a member of the Winona Knights of Columbus and a lifelong member of St. Casimir Catholic Church. 

Bill had a quick smile and gentle nature. He shared with his family many stories of growing up in Winona and always had a joke at the ready. Bill was a member of a special group of friends who grew up together in Winona and remained close throughout their lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, his parents, Herman and Luella, and his son William (Bill) H. Schuth Jr.

Bill is survived by his partner of 24 years, Jean Selke; brother, John; sons: Joseph J. and Sam (Benita); daughter, (Sandra) Elizabeth; daughter-in-law, Judy; 12 grandchildren: William III (Joanna), Grace, Jack (Rachel), Louis, Olivia (Sam), Sienna, Allison, Matthew, Catherine, Skylar, Harriet, and River; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church, 626 W. Broadway, Winona. The Very Rev. Mark C. McNea will officiate. Preceding the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM, followed by a visitation from 10 AM until the time of the Mass.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona, MN, where Bill will be laid to rest aside his wife Ethel. The American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 will provide military rites at the cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be shared at www.watkowski-mulyck.com