Mabel E. Schulte, 96, of Shawano, formerly of Montana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at The Cottages in Shawano.
Mabel was born July 31, 1922, in Augusta, Montana, a daughter of John and Virginia (Brown) Manix. As a Montanan, Mabel came from strong stock. Her younger years were spent growing up on a ranch on the Dearborn, attending school in the summer months. This region always held a special place in Mabel’s heart and memories. At the age of 10, her family moved to the Town of Augusta. She regaled stories of playing sports in high school, especially basketball where her teams were the great tournament teams. Living in a small town provided Mabel the confidence to try many activities. Alas, she lived a very happy childhood.
From 1941 to 1945, Mabel attended the University of Montana, graduating with a degree in accounting. These were the years of World War II, and the women attending college at this time were empowered to participate in all-college clubs and activities. Sports, the Newman Center, and her sorority filled her non-scholastic time. Following college, Mabel met Elmer Schulte, a smokejumper in Montana, formerly of Gresham. Prior to their marriage in June 1947, Elmer reenlisted in the Air Force, and the family became a career military family. As duty stations changed, they lived in many interesting cities, states and countries. With each new assignment, Mabel embraced her new surroundings and friendships, making the most of her time spent in each location. While the opportunities were limited due to military assignments, Mabel worked when she was able and was known to teach math to GIs while living in Labrador, Canada.
Perhaps Mabel’s most cherished accomplishment, certainly felt by her children, was that of being a mom. Mabel became a single mom to her four children in 1965, and did a stellar job. It was during this time Mabel became active with a Catholic group of men and women for divorced, single, and widowed individuals. She and her children lived in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, where Mabel worked full-time for the federal government. She initially worked at the fledgling branch of the Office of Economic Opportunity (originator of Head Start) and retired from the Department of Labor at the age of 75. Mabel was so respected in her career, that she was rehired as a financial consultant to locate misplaced grant monies.
Mabel was known for her fun-loving personality and her accepting manner of others. For this reason, she had many lifelong friendships and was enjoyed by family. She was a proud alumna of the University of Montana and attended her 68th college reunion. She loved playing cards, any cards, and playing and watching sports. Realizing her family’s history was important, Mabel was instrumental in recording her family’s genealogy. She also helped organize a World War II Veterans Memorial wall in Augusta. As a deeply faith-filled individual, she attended daily Mass and lived her faith in her words and actions. In 2016, Mabel moved to Shawano to reside at the Cottages Memory Care Center.
Mabel is survived by her beloved children, Pat Schulte, Katherine Crawford, Lois (Ron) Brewster and Steve (Joelle) Schulte. Grandma Schulte/Aunt Mabel was loved by many, and also as a daughter, sister, mother-in-law and friend. How lucky we were she lived a long life.
A funeral Mass for Mabel will be held this summer in Augusta, Montana.
Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
Mabel’s family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff at The Cottages for the care Mabel received. You were truly her Earth angels. Mabel’s journey home was also made much easier by her hospice team. Thank you for allowing Mom to die with such dignity.