Dale Norbert Schmechel, 76, of Howard, passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2022, with his loving wife and their children by his side.

He was born in Green Bay on June 18, 1946, to the late Norbert and Marie Schmechel. He graduated from Green Bay East High School with the class of 1964, and then went on to serve our country in the United States Navy. Dale retired from Proctor & Gamble Paper Company after 33 years.

In 1980, Dale met the love of his life, Barbara, at a family wedding. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1982, and just celebrated 40 amazing years together. They were always together ~ until the very end.

Dale was a kind-hearted, fun, loving, caring, and gentle man who loved his family with all his heart. He truly enjoyed the outdoors and spent many summers up north camping, boating and fishing as a family. The Navy gave him a love of the water, where he learned to free-dive and swim – and he shared that love of the water with his wife and kids. He truly enjoyed nature and its beauty, which led to a hobby of hunting. In his younger years, "Men's Hunting Weekend" with his son, nephews, brothers and brother-in-law was always a highlight of his fall.

He was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He'd never turn down a good game of cribbage – or an ice-cold beer. And oh, how he loved his tablet! (You're welcome, Mom!)

He shared his love of nature with his grandkids – taking them for Pug rides through the woods whenever he had the chance. His cabins up north were a favorite get away. The rumble of the brook was his favorite sound – and the trout and deer never went hungry when he was around. He always looked forward to a late afternoon cruise in the Pug with Barbara, which usually sent them through the Cathedral of Pines.

Later in their retired years, Dale looked forward to spending the winters with Barbara in Texas and Florida. They met so many wonderful friends through their travels over the years. Dale loved to laugh and had a smile that would brighten anyone's day.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; their children and grandchildren, Tammy and Tim DeBauche and their children Alexandria and Alivia, Tina and Scott Kemp and their children Kade and Kolton, Ross and Jodi Schmechel and their son Riley, and Kristi and Adam Hornick and her children Dakota (Jaisha), Paige (special friend Maxx Hunt), and Ethan Walker. His children, Wade and Jessica Schmechel and their children Ian and Ella, and Kim and Randy Reeves, and her daughter Megan and their sons Ryan and Benjamin.

Dale is further survived by his sister, Janice Van Handel, his twin brother Donn (Nancy) Schmechel, brother Lyle Schmechel, his sister-in-law Deborah (Randy Bukowiec) Meacham, brothers-in-law Patrick (Kathryn) Meacham, Jeff (Barb) Meacham, other extended family Alyce (Jim) Todey and Phyllis Day, many special nieces and nephews, and his very special fur-babies, Abby and Myriah. Dale was very excited to know that his first great grandchild would be arriving in February 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Lloyd and June Meacham, brother-in-law William VanHandel, and a niece Debbie Wavrunek.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone in Lakewood, WI, that worked so hard to try and keep Dale here with us, and to those at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau for their amazing efforts, care and concern, especially Danielle, Rachel, Kate and Ann in the ICU Units and Dr. Robby, Dr. Block and especially Dr. Hindi.

A visitation will be held at Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1145 Cardinal Lane, Howard, on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 12:00-3:00 pm with a memorial service and full military honors to immediately follow at 3:00 pm.

Dad start that campfire in Heaven ~ and crack a cold one. We'll toast to you from down here. Love you always, Tamarack, Tuna, Rooster and Pooper

Hon I'm holding on to memories until we meet again. Love ya, Dollie