Violet Schuttenberg

Violet Schuttenberg, our little "Miss America" and cherished member of the Wausau community, age 93, passed away at Mount View Care Center on March 21, 2025. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and zest for life.

Violet was born on February 1, 1932 in Bevent, WI to the late Bernard "Barney" and Mary (Trzebiatowski) Schuttenberg. In her 20s, she joined her sister June in Milwaukee, where she lived for nearly two decades. She eventually returned to Wausau, where she became a familiar face, often spotted at local favorites like Burger King, Angelo's Pizza, County Market, and Shopko. Violet had a special gift for making those around her feel cared for, always selecting thoughtful gifts for her loved ones and mailing care packages filled with love and surprises.

Violet's generosity knew no bounds, and she was often met with the same kindness from complete strangers. Each Christmas, she delighted in gifting her nephew Keith with a box of Queen Anne chocolate-covered-cherries; a tradition that brought joy to them both!

At family gatherings, Violet enjoyed her brother-in-law Jerry's Old Fashioneds, always sharing laughter as the jokes grew funnier after one or two drinks.

A true Wisconsin sport enthusiast, Violet was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and the Wausau Woodchucks. She attended numerous games and loved watching her favorite teams on television. Later in life, Violet embraced new adventures, many of which were made possible through the thoughtful efforts of Mount View Care Center. She was crowned prom queen, happily tapped her feet along when Dan Gruetzmacher played polkas on his squeezebox, visited Lambeau Field and the Wisconsin Valley Fair, and absolutely killed it at bingo. Her winnings - snacks and jewelry - were always shared generously with visiting family and friends.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents Barney and Mary Schuttenberg, a sister, June Tomlanovich, and three brothers-in-law: Dale Pophal, Rudy Tomlanovich, and Jerry Cherek. She is further survived by two sisters and a brother: Diane Cherek, Dolores Pophal, and Ervin (Ruthie) Schuttenberg.

A visitation for Violet Schuttenberg will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 10am - noon at Brainard Funeral Home in Weston.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mount View Care Center for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Violet in her final years. To honor her memory, they kindly request donations to either Mount View Care Center, whose efforts brought joy and meaningful experiences to Violet's life, or to St. Agnes Parish in Schofield.