March 16, 1913 – March 2, 2011


Florence M. Schendel of Waukesha died Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at her home at the age of 97. She was born in Sauk Rapids, Minn., on March 16, 1913, the oldest child of Frank and Johanna (nee Alberts) Beaudreau.

She married the Rev. Chester M. Schendel in 1929 in St. Cloud, Minn. Florence assisted her husband in his ministry throughout her life and they lived in Appleton from 1934 to 1939 while her husband was pastor of Greenville-Center Evangelical Church, and at Chippewa Falls from 1939 until 1960 while her husband was pastor at Zion E.U.B. Church. They later moved to Milwaukee from 1960 until 1973 while they ministered at Emanuel E.U.B. and United Methodist Church. In 1974, they moved to Waukesha as they served First United Methodist Church as pastor to seniors where Florence was currently a member. Following the Rev. Schendel’s death in 1991, Florence continued to minister to seniors at First United Methodist Church. In addition to assisting her husband with his ministry, Florence worked at Gimbels Department Store and Boston Store in the 1960s, and also worked as a receptionist at Oak Hill Terrace and Avalon Square. Florence was a member of the XYZ Club, the Over 60 Club, and was a member of a home Bible study group. She enjoyed Bible study, reading, sewing, needlepoint, ceramics, cooking, gardening, being a homemaker for her family and a persistent prayer warrior.

She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Pat Staege of Burlington; her son, Jonathan "Jon" (Marjorie) Schendel of Springerville, Ariz.; and her grandchildren, David Staege, Marc (Erin) Staege, Tom (Josephine) Staege, Chester W. (Jamie) Schendel, Missy F. Schendel and Mary P. Schendel; her step-grandchild, Frank A. Ponzio; her four great-grandchildren, Allie Staege, Henry Staege, Ty William Schendel and Cash Chase Constantine; and her step-great-grandchild, Aaron P. Constantine III. She is further survived by her brother, Bob Beaudreau, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son David in 1941, her brother Jerome Beaudreau and sister Virginia McFadden.

Visitation was Monday, March 7, at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Services will continue at 11 a.m. today, March 8, with a memorial service at First United Methodist Church, 121 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha. The Rev. Dan Schwerin and the Rev. Don Fenner will preside. A private family burial service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

Memorials would be appreciated to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; the Milwaukee (Gospel) Rescue Mission 830 N. 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233; or First United Methodist Church Foundation, 121 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186 .

For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at 547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an online tribute.