Gregory L. Schild

Gregory L. Schild, 76 of La Crescent, MN passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024 at his home after battling Pulmonary Fibrosis. Greg was born November 11, 1947, at St. Ann’s Hospital in La Crosse, WI to Lyle and Illa (Sanden) Schild of La Crescent, MN. Greg graduated from Logan High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Wisconsin Army Reserve, serving his country for 30 years and retiring as Master Sargeant. On June 15, 1968, Greg married his high school sweetheart, Janice Olson at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse, WI. Together, over the next 56 years, they would build a life and family. A quiet, gentle and dedicated man who loved his wife dearly. He was a patient man. As Jan would note, “He was the only person patient enough to put up with her craziness.” Greg’s entire professional career was spent with Trane Company. He would spend over 48 years with the company, retiring as a Marketing Specialist. Greg lived a life of service. He was a proud member of La Crescent American Legion Post 595 and served with the Legion Color Guard. Greg continued his passion for service to his community as a La Crescent Volunteer Firefighter for 26 years, and as a Volunteer at the La Crescent Food Shelf. Greg’s strong Christian faith guided him throughout his life. He was an active member of the Church of the Crucifixion, serving as a Parish Trustee for 25 years, Cemetery Trustee, a Lay Communion Distributor and an Usher. A devoted Father, who would do anything for his children, Scott (Bridget Harwood) Schild of Grand Haven, MI, Missy (Josh Podlena) Schild of La Crescent, MN and Laurie (Corey Johnson) Schild of La Crescent, MN. As proud and devoted as Greg was to his kids…it was his seven grandchildren, Austin (Monica Hagen) Schild DDS of Grand Haven, MI, Tyler (Kaylee) Schild of Norton Shores, MI, Kaitlyn Johnson of La Crescent, MN, Chloe Schild of Grand Haven, MI, Jaida Schild, Olivia Johnson and Mason Hatke all of La Crescent, MN and two great-grandchildren, Parker Schild and Owen Schild of Norton Shores, MI that made his eyes light up. Greg was a great friend….those lucky enough to call him “friend” knew or experienced first-hand Greg’s zest for life, his compassionate heart and trustworthiness. Greg was the first-born child to Lyle & Illa. Fun fact, he was born on his Father’s birthday. He would later be the big brother to Nancy (Bob) Nunemacher of La Crescent, MN, Jeff (Rita) Schild of La Crescent, MN, and Kathy Schild of Walton, IN. Also surviving Greg are his seven nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Karleen Young of Winona, MN. He enjoyed playing golf, recording one – Hole in One, traveling and was a diehard Packer fan. But his favorite past time was rooting on the Lancers and Amplify Club Volleyball Teams. He rarely missed a chance to be in the bleachers. Sadly, during Greg’s life he had to say “goodbye” to some very special people, his parents Lyle & Illa, his mother-in-law Clare Bockenhauer, and brother-in-law Rick Young. We will honor Greg with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 16th at Crucifixion Church in La Crescent, MN with a 10:00 a.m. visitation prior to mass, Fr. John Evans will officiate. He will be laid to rest at the Crucifixion Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15th at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crescent, MN with a Rosary service at 3:45. In keeping with Greg’s generous heart, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Crucifixion Building Fund, La Crescent American Legion Post 595, La Crescent Fire Department or the La Crescent Food Shelf. Please join us to share stories and celebrate this great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-in-law and great friend. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gregory L. Schild, please visit our flower store.