Reuben Elmer Schaetzel, age 95, of Shawano passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.  Reuben was born in Germantown, WI on May 29, 1923, the son of the late Arthur and Esther (Fraederich) Schaetzel.  After meeting Betty Lee at a harvest dance, he married her on October 18, 1947.  She preceded him in death in 2007.

Reuben was proud to have served in the United States Army during World War II, in General George S. Patton's 3rd Army, 701st Tank Battalion.  As a tank driver, he helped to liberate the town of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, and was able to return to Pilsen twice; recently, to celebrate and be honored as part of their yearly Liberation Festival.  He also participated in an honor flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.

Reuben was well known for selling cars.  First with Martz Chevrolet in Menomonee Falls, then later with Buss Chevrolet in Shawano.  In May, 2018, Reuben celebrated his "semi-retirement" at Buss after 27 years.  His reputation was that he could sell a car to anyone, even from his hospital bed!  One of his more notable sales was to George Patton "Pat" Waters, grandson of the famous general under whom Reuben served in the war.

Reuben was incredibly active in veterans and social organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, 40/8 Voiture (formed after World War I in France), Lions Club, Shawano Club, and the Masons.

Reuben is survived by:  his daughters, Gale (Jim) Drenning of Annapolis, Maryland and Lee Ann Dorn of Appleton, Wisconsin; his granddaughter, Melissa (Brad) Arndt and her children, Bennett, Charlotte, Luke, and a new baby (yet to be named); his grandson, Brad Boettcher, along with many, many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by:  his wife; his parents; a son, Gary; three brothers Harold, Norman, Arthur Jr; and a sister, Bernice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January, 5, 2019 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Cecil, with Rev. Moira Finley officiating.  Following the service, military rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117.  Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday, January 4, 2019, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.  A Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Swedberg Funeral Home.

Reuben's family would like to thank the following people for helping him to live so independently right up to the end, including: Shannon Bozich; Ronnie and Rory Buss; Kathy and Lee Anderson; Maureen and Tim McNeil; Steve Zais and his other faithful neighbors on Wolf River Avenue; his church family at St. John's, including Pastor Moira Finley and Michele Hert and her family; his loving friends and family in Germantown; along with the caring staff at Evergreen and The Cottages.