John Wayne Schuetze, Chaplain, Captain United States Air Force
With faith in the Resurrection of Jesus, we offer our prayers for John Wayne Schuetze, Chaplain, Captain United States Air Force, who entered eternal life Monday, August 27, 2018, at the age of 54.
Father John was born in Manitowoc on April 16, 1964 to Mary (Logan) Schuetze and the late Wayne Schuetze. Father John attended St. Boniface Catholic Grade School and Lincoln High School graduating with the class of 1982. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources and Soil Science. Father John furthered his education entering the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary graduating with a degree of Master of Divinity and was ordained on May 17, 1997, by Most Rev. Robert J. Banks at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay. While stationed in England, Father John attended classes at Oxford University. His work history started as a Herald Times Reporter and Lakeshore Chronicle paperboy and in high school was employed with Northern Wisconsin Produce. Father John’s first appointment was Parochial Vicar of St. Bernard Parish, Green Bay. In 1998, he was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. John Nepomucene Parish, Little Chute, and then St. Pius X Parish, Appleton. In 2005, Father John was appointed Pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, Freedom. He served for a brief time as parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc before entering the Archdiocese for the Military to serve as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force on August 1, 2008. During his military career Fr. John had been stationed at the Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Deployment Iraq, Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Royal Air Force Base, Croughton, England. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aeries #706 and the Knights of Columbus Council #710. Father John enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, loved playing cards, traveling, skiing, boating, listening to classical music, antiquing and flying. He had an adventurous spirit and tried everything such as zip lining, parasailing, and water skiing. Father John made many trips to Rome, Italy for priestly conferences for the diocese and the military.
He is survived by his mother: Mary Logan Schuetze, Manitowoc; two brothers: Paul and Joseph Schuetze, both of Manitowoc; one sister and brother-in-law: Angela and Patrick Katchak, Prospect, KY; paternal grandmother: Elaine Schuetze, Manitowoc; aunt: Kris Schuetze; Godson: George Katchak IV; nieces and nephews to include: Dennis, Logan, Jon (Godson), Angel, Corbin, Samantha, and George; numerous cousins and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his father: Wayne Schuetze; an infant brother: Daniel; maternal grandparents: Joe and Charlotte Logan; paternal grandfather: Ralph Schuetze; uncles: Phil Schuetze and David Logan; aunt Cynthia Logan.
Reception of the body by the Regional Vicar, Very Reverend Ryan Krueger, will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. Visitation for relatives and friends will follow until 7 p.m. at which time Rev. Daniel Felton will lead a prayer service concluding the visitation. The visitation will continue at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass at 10:30 a.m. The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and our hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, will follow, taking place on Friday, September 14, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Robert F. Morneau, Celebrant, along with priests of the diocese concelebrating. Rev. Dave Pleier will be the Homilist. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated for a memorial fund being established in Father John’s name. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
