SUN PRAIRIE- William Dale Schara, age 84, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at New Perspective Senior Living. He was born in Baraboo, Wis., to William J. and Edith L. (Lyon) Schara, the youngest of nine children born.

Early on in life, Dad loved music and everything that surrounded it. He was given a gift of voice by singing in choirs, glee club, and solos for weddings and funerals. He also took up square dancing and later became a square dance caller. He also had karaoke programs that he brought to senior centers and performed many sing alongs that many enjoyed. He recorded 9 CDs of gospel and country music that he shared with others by copying and distributing them to family and anyone that appreciated music.

Another passion he enjoyed was gardening. A plethora of fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, heirloom tomatoes as well as various flowers bloomed. He also loved to travel and would winter in various warm places such as Mexico, and in more recent years residing in Tennessee, and for many years he hosted many family reunions in North Freedom, Wis., and Rock Springs, Wis.

Throughout his life he worked various jobs from delivery driver for groceries, to working in a plastics factory, dry cleaners in Baraboo to working the Holiday Inn rising in the ranks to management and as a night clerk in various hotels between residing in Phoenix, Ariz., and Madison, Wis., then ending his career in retirement at Central Wisconsin Center.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William J., and Edith L. Schara; his sisters, brothers, and their spouses, Josephine (Raymond) Kopf, Leona (Otto) Mueller, Adeline (Garvin) Hinz, Lawrence (June) Schara, Melvin (Grace) Schara, Lloyd (Maryann) Schara, Virgil (Wilma) Schara, and baby Dean Schara; his wife, Judith K. (Gates) Schara; and former spouse, Adele E. (Bruckert) Schara.

His legacy lives on in his children, Scott (Rachel) Schara, Erin Schara, Jill Schara and his trusted doggie companion, Katy; his grandsons, A.J. (Brandon) Schara and Christopher Schara; great-grandson, Skylar Schara; and many nieces and nephews that loved their “Uncle Billy.” He is also survived by his in-laws, the Gates Family, as well as his “adoptive” families and friends in Wisconsin and Tennessee, Mark, Terri, Jonah and Katherine McCarthy, Ruben, Dora, Ruben Jr. and Bryan Rios, and Sheila Zambon.

We would like to say Thank You to New Perspective staff and Agrace HospiceCare that made our Dad as comfortable as possible with the remaining days he had on this earth. Your support was greatly apreciated.

At a later date, Dad and Judy will have their ashes scattered in the Smokey Mountains per their wishes.

Dad’s greatest “JOY” whether by jokes or song was to see a smile on people’s faces no matter where he traveled, and this brought much happiness in his life.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

William D Schara

May 14, 1938 - April 12, 2023

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