Obit: Schmallenberg, Ethel L. (1916 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Schmallenberg, Lundgren. Krauss

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) February 25, 2009

Schmallenberg, Ethel L. (14 May 1916 – 19 February 2009)

Ethel (Lundgren) Schmallenberg passed away quietly at the age of 92, the morning of Feb. 19, 2009, at her home in Menomonee Falls.

Ethel “Dolly” Schmallenberg was born May 14, 1916, in the small fishing town of Port Wing, located on the south short of Lake Superior, 30 miles west of Bayfield. She was the daughter of Almond and Dagmar Lundgren and big sister to the late Yvonne “Sissie” Krauss.

After completing business school in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1935, Ethel worked for the state of Wisconsin, in Ashland, Washburn and Bayfield in the offices of the WPA.

In 1943 Ethel married Melvin C. Schmallenberg only to continue working in the Washburn area awaiting the return of her husband who was deployed to Italy during WWII.

Upon his return, Melvin and Ethel spent six months in the State of Pennsylvania where Melvin taught at the Clarion State Teacher’s College. It was there that they joyfully celebrated the birth of their only daughter Patricia in March of 1947.

At the end of the 1947 school year, the family returned to Washburn. Melvin resumed his previous position as superintendent of schools, while Ethel cared for her husband and new daughter.

In 1952 the family moved to Black River Falls. Melvin again assumed the responsibility of superintendent of schools and Ethel the responsibility of family and household. After the loss of her husband in 1997, Ethel remained in Black River Falls until 2005 when she moved to Menomonee Falls to be close to her daughter. She shared a new and busy life with her daughter and new friends and neighbors.

Her death Feb. 19 was quite unexpected. She had received a good report from her doctor the previous day.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Patricia, her beloved Cairn terrier, Toto, as well as nieces, a nephew and their families, cousins; her special friend and caretaker, Diane; and many dear friends in Black River Falls, Menomonee Falls and scattered about the county.

She was a quiet lady always willing to give of her time and energy for the benefit of the school and community. She truly enjoyed and supported not only local sports events, but college and professional games as well.

Her loving concern and gentle guidance will be truly missed ay all who knew her.

Services were held at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. She was laid to rest next to her husband in Bear Creek.