Thomas R. Schneller
PORTAGE – Thomas “Tom” R. Schneller, age 74, of Portage, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Milwaukee, held in the loving arms of his wife.
Tom was born on July 11, 1950, in Reedsburg, Wis., the son of Victor and Norma (Risley) Schneller, and grew up on the family farm.
He served his country with the U.S. Army from January 1969 to November 1971, including duty in Vietnam from December 1969 to November 1970. Following his active Army duty, he served 21 years with the Wisconsin National Guard. Tom was also a longtime and active member of Portage VFW Hall Post 1707 and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 221 — at times serving as chapter president or chapter treasurer. In June 1998, Tom received the 1998 VVA Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the principles of VVA. Tom’s many activities with VVA Chapter 221 included the high school scholarship program, the annual Veterans Day Dinner, and monthly pancake breakfasts at Duck Creek Campground. On September 22, 2018, in recognition of his military service, Tom took part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D. C., where he visited several national military memorials including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Tom was also a member of the Portage Elks Lodge 675.
Tom married Faye Ann Talley in August 1971. Together they had three cherished daughters, who later blessed them with eight grandsons. Faye and Tom later divorced.
Tom married Mary (Connell) Dolato, on May 18, 1996, and became a valued and loved member of Mary’s extended family; especially, as father to her three daughters and grandfather to her five grandchildren.
Tom spent his working years driving semi-truck for Samuel’s Recycling and Mc of A Contractors. During his recent retirement years, he drove a cab for the Portage Cab Company.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed throwing on darts and bean bags league, motorcycling, snowmobiling, camping, and traveling — especially taking family trips to Florida and Pepin, Wisconsin, where he treasured the scenic views of Lake Pepin. He was also a longtime and avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Schneller; daughters, Anna (Jeff) Clausen, Teasha (Nathan) Reppenhagen, Patty Schneller, Amy (Andy) Dolato, Sarah (Jon) Dolato, and Katie (Anthony) Dolato; grandchildren, Justin, Chase, and Jared Clausen, Adryan Reppenhagen, Wyatt Heiden, Austin Rickey, Coltin and Traytin Dittberner, Carter Howe, Daytona Zick, Bronx Dolato, Garrett Schweikl and Payton Millard; brothers, Warren, Terry, David, and Jed; sister, Phyllis Ann; in-laws, Charmaine, Dawn, Douglas, Marilyn, Kathleen, Michael, Patty, Brian, Tom, Sharon, Warren Douglas, Jacqui (Mike); other relatives and many friends. He is also survived by Todd Zick, Ryan Millard, and Ryan Drost, whom he considered sons. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; mother-in-law, Patricia; sister, Cindy; brothers-in law, Randy and Kenny; and daughter, Abigail.
Tom will be remembered for his big heart, schoolgirl giggle and dedication to his Vietnam Vets. He loved his family, friends and four-legged pets dearly. The family would like to thank everyone for their care of Tom over the last year.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home. Inurnment will be private. A Celebration of Life, with a light luncheon and a cash bar, will be from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the VFW Hall Post 1707, 215 W. Collins St., Portage. Military Honors will be provided by Portage Area Veteran’s Honor Guard on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 221, PO Box 743, Portage, Wisconsin, 53901-0743.
The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.
