Mike Schabo, 60, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, AZ, after a brief battle with lymphoma and Covid. It was one hurdle he could not conquer.
Mike was born December 16, 1960 in Appleton, WI to George and Mary Schabo. Mike attended Huntley Elementary, James Madison Junior High and Appleton East High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. He also played for the American Legion the year they won the State Championship in 1979.
He also attended Indian Hills Community College with his buddy, Buermie, for baseball. His next big move was to U.W. Whitewater where he graduated with a business major. Then, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, but color blindness ended that dream. He was then on to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK. He graduated there as an airplane mechanic. From there, Mike went to Dyne Air for his first real job. After some years he moved up to management at American Airlines. Twenty years later his health took a dive. He was diagnosed with cancer in September 2020; 6 months later he contracted Covid-19 that lasted 3 weeks.
It was at his first job at Dyne Air, he met his lifelong companion, Michelle Glosser. They were together for 31 years. Along with that friendship, came her son, Vinney. They formed a father-son relationship, which only grew, until Mike’s passing.
Always a dreamer, Mike loved to work with his hands. Remodeling and building on this already big home. He loved to golf, it was his favorite pastime.
Mike had a wonderful life in Arizona, but Wisconsin was always home. Every year he had a battle with the grass in Arizona. He planted religiously, but it never grew. I guess it needed to be watered.
His last big dream was to build a cabin in Sholow, AZ. He had a good start, but never got to complete it.
Summer trips back home made him happy. He enjoyed fishing with dad, golfing with his loving brother, Keith and eating mom’s favorite foods. He left behind many good friends and relatives.
Mike is survived by his parents, George and Mary Schabo; brother, Keith Schabo (April); aunts: Marlene Miller, Tellico Plains, TX; Judy (Mark) Styer, Waupaca, WI; Gloria & Delores Managan. Godparents: Noreen (Mark) French of Appleton and James (Jan) Weber of Appleton.
He is further survived by special friend and love of his life, Michelle Glosser of Arizona; her son, Vinney, Arizona; Louis Kohl of Appleton; Kathy Schuh & Ross of Appleton; and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents George and Leona Schabo; Maurice and Mabel Managan; and special Gramma Rita Managan; uncles: Wally Schabo; Norbert (Tom) Schabo; Gary Schabo; Maurice (Carrie) Managan; Barney (Clem) Terrie Managan; Tom Managan; Don Managan; Spike (Ralph) Shorty Managan; aunts: Laura (Ed) Zimborski; Florence (Wash) Wankey; and Ethel (James) Buss.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 at 5pm at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI. Visitation will be from 2pm until the 5pm service. The visitation and service will be live streamed on the Valley Funeral Home Facebook page www.facebook.com/Valley-Funeral-Home-938408146238680
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.