It is with heartfelt sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Father, Paul J. Schlagenhaft of Marshfield, who passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at House of the Dove at the age of 72.
Paul was born on July 13, 1952 in Marshfield to Herman and Dorothy (Pfahning) Schlagenhaft. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and was a 1970 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School. After high school, he earned a baccalaureate degree at UW Eau Claire. He was united in marriage to Rosemarie “Rosie” Donnerbauer on September 24, 1977 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bakerville. Though Rosie passed on June 12, 2015, her presence never left his heart.
Paul built a meaningful career with the City of Marshfield, serving in both the Street Division and Parks and Recreation Department. Outside of work, Paul had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved fishing and hunting. Fishing, in particular, was more than just a hobby—it was a way for him to connect with the people he loved. Whether casting a line with his grandkids on a quiet morning, swapping stories with friends by the water’s edge, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the lake, those moments brought him real joy. He treasured the laughter, the shared silence, and the memories made on those fishing trips. Paul also cherished time spent playing cards with family and friends, where the games were often filled with friendly competition and plenty of laughs. And no matter where he was—on the lake, in the garage, or around the kitchen table—there was almost always music playing in the background. It was the soundtrack to his life, bringing comfort, energy, and a sense of togetherness to every moment.
Paul is survived by his son, Luke (Tonya) Schlagenhaft of Spencer and their children, Addison and Paige, and his daughter, Lindsey (Tim) Sabelko of Mondovi and their children, Mason, Emmerson, and Ashton.
He is further survived by sisters, Rita (James) Smithson and Jane (Mike) Conrad, brothers and sisters in law, Bob Kratcha, Mary Carol Schlagenhaft, Eugene (Georgene) Donnerbauer, Delores (Gary) Krehmeyer, Linda Donnerbauer, and Peter (Linda) Donnerbauer, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Dorothy, wife, Rosie, sisters, Doris Neuman and Mary Kratcha, brothers, Mark in infancy, Joseph, Cy, and Charles, father and mother in law, Isadore and Margaret Donnerbauer, sisters in law, Jean and Jeannine Schlagenhaft, and brothers in law, Victor Neuman and Everett Donnerbauer.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 1 at Rembs Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service time at church. A rosary service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield, with Rev. Todd Mlsna officiating. Burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the healthcare teams at Marshfield Medical Center and House of the Dove for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Children’s Miracle Network, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or Ronald McDonald House.
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