In Memory of Donald “Don” Eugene Schade ’62
Don Schade ’62, of Granbury, Texas, passed away at the age of 85 in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 13, 2025. Many of his closest life-long friendships were forged during his four years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in math and applied sciences in 1962. A forever-faithful Badger, Don was quick to inform everyone that his successful life and careers were decisively influenced by his education, sports involvement, and connections at the UW.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Don’s family eventually moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he attended high school. Don was involved in football, baseball, swimming, and shotput, and graduated as salutatorian of his senior class. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin in 1958 to play football, coached by Milt Bruhn, as an offensive/defensive right guard. Don played in the 1960 Rose Bowl and co-captained the 1961–62 team with his dear friend, Jim Bakken.
Don served his country with honor. He participated in the ROTC program at UW for four years, and shortly after graduation, entered the United States Army as a second lieutenant. After two years of active duty and nine years in the reserves, he was honorably discharged as a captain in 1973.
Don spent 30 successful years as a senior systems engineer with IBM in various national and international locations. Upon retirement, he continued in the same field as a consultant for many years. During this second career, he enthusiastically served on the board of directors of the National W Club, working closely with Terry Murawski MS’76. Don was actively involved in local UW alumni clubs and also made many trips back to Madison for football games, reunions, visits to former teammates, and meetings. He always credited the UW with being the catalyst for many of his successes and blessings, including meeting his future wife, Rebecca Royer, in 1959 at the Elm Drive dorms commons. (An eventual LSU graduate, Becky attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1959–61.)
A lifelong athlete with a passion for physical fitness, Don participated in countless cycling events and foot races and in numerous triathlons, including the Canadian and Hawaiian Ironman competitions and the Boston and New York marathons. When health issues forced him to stop golfing, he spearheaded a new program at his golf club and became their first marshal.
Don’s love and respect for the University of Wisconsin was boundless. He was profoundly grateful for the strong and enduring foundations that helped shape his talents, work ethic, and values.
Should you wish to honor Don with a memorial donation, please consider the University of Wisconsin Foundation, https://supportuw.org.
On, Wisconsin!
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