Clifford R. Schemm

Clifford R. Schemm, 97, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully Monday, March 31, 2025. Cliff was born December 2, 1927, in the town of Jefferson, the only child of Frank and Edna (Oestreich) Schemm. 

On September 3, 1950, Cliff married the love of his life, Rose Mary Dooge, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Helenville, WI. This union was blessed with their two children, Jeffrey and Thomas. 

September 25, 1950, Cliff was called to serve his country as a corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he continued his employment with Ladish Malting Company in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1986.

After retirement, Cliff kept himself busy by continuing to help Rose Mary maintain her office building in Jefferson. He devoted time to helping both Jeff and Tom in their business endeavors as well.

Cliff loved the outdoors. He enjoyed anything he could do outside. He was an accomplished gardener. He liked maintaining the yard, watching the wildlife in the backyard, motorcycling, and snowmobiling. When he was spending time indoors, he loved bowling in league, which he continued to do until he was 95 years old.

For many years, Cliff was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson.

In addition to God and country, family meant the world to Cliff. Summer vacations spent with family at Cable, Wisconsin were cherished. He was especially grateful for the time he shared with his grandchildren, Kari and Molly. 

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Rose Mary; his sons, Jeffrey Schemm of Whitewater, WI and Thomas Schemm (Judy) of Palmer, Alaska; his grandchildren, Kari Lewicki (fiancé, Thomas Wilkenson) of Fort Atkinson, WI, Molly Mahaffey (Ryan) of DePere, WI, Tony Gorn (Angie) of Nome, Alaska, and Andy Gorn (Amy) of Wasilla, Alaska; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation for Cliff will be held, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Pastor Christopher Raiford will be officiating. A private family burial will take place in Union Cemetery in Jefferson, Wisconsin at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater for the compassionate care Cliff received. A special thank you also is extended to the exceptional kindness the family received from the staff of Rainbow Hospice.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful caregiver, Stacy Gransee, for her support and kindness.

Heartfelt and sincere gratitude goes also to granddaughter, Kari, for her loving guidance every step of the way during Clifford’s care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cliff’s honor may be made to the charity of your choice.