William “Bill” Schmokel
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 19, 2016 @ 9:29 am In 2016,Obituaries | 10 Comments
William “Bill” J. Schmokel, lifelong resident of Prior Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the age of 81. A visitation will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Prior Lake on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Jeff Schmokel will act as urn bearer, and grandchildren, Luke, Hannah, Eryk and Noah are honorary urn bearers. Bill will be laid to rest at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Bill’s family in his honor.
On January 28, 1935, William & Joanne Schmokel were blessed with a son, William John Schmokel. Ten minutes later, Bill’s twin sister Roberta was born. Bill loved growing up in Prior Lake with his sisters, Sharon & Roberta. Bill developed a strong work ethic as a young man. He and his sisters often worked in the family bar, the B & D, named for their dad (Bill) and aunt (Dorothy). As a boy, Bill developed an interest in hunting and fishing. He’d often bring his shotgun to school with him so he could go hunting as soon as school was done.
Bill was very proud to be a member of Prior Lake High School’s first graduating class. Following high school, Bill graduated from University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. During an obligation to the military, Bill’s sisters introduced him to Eileen Luger. Bill and Eileen soon fell in love. They exchanged wedding vows on August 11, 1962. Bill requested an August wedding so it wouldn’t interfere with hunting and fishing seasons. Bill and Eileen settled on Prior Lake and were blessed with seven wonderful children.
With a family to support, Bill quickly put his education to use by starting up Valley Engineering in 1963. Bill also began working part-time for Scott County. After about 15 years, Bill brought on a business partner so he could begin working full-time for Scott County. Soon Bill was elected to Scott County Surveyor. He was a dedicated public servant for 34 years before retiring in 1999.
In retirement, Bill had more time to pursue his interests. Prime among them was spending time in northern Minnesota at the family cabin. Bill enjoyed woodworking, tinkering on projects, and of course hunting. He especially liked hunting deer, moose, elk and turkeys. Every spring, he, Eileen and family tapped the neighborhood maple trees and made maple syrup together. More than just hobbies, these activities allowed him to supply the community of friends and family with syrup, venison sausage and wild game booyah.
Bill had many interests, but family was most important to him. He loved that so many friends and family members were constantly in and out of the house. His favorite chair was in the middle of command central, and he loved it. He’d say, “Who come in?” every time the door opened. He was ecstatic every time a family member had a building or mechanical project. While he was teased for trying to be the boss, he really just loved being involved in his children’s lives. Bill was a great husband, wonderful father and loving grandpa.
Throughout the years, Bill was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the MN Land Surveyor’s Association and the Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed. He also served on the Prior Lake School Board, acted as Prior Lake City Engineer and led the Spring Lake Cemetery Board.
Bill had a full life. He set a wonderful example for his family and all around him. Bill will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Eileen Schmokel; children, Shelley (Allen) Joscher, Scott (June) Schmokel, Mike (Kris) Schmokel, Paul (Keri) Schmokel, Jeff Schmokel, Suzy (Brad) Lindow and sixth son (nephew) Jim (Michelle) Ludowese; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon (Boyd) Wermedahl and Roberta Ludowese. Bill is preceded by his parents and son, Gregory Schmokel.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation
Prior Lake (952) 447-2633
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Here is Bill in a 2012 documentary talking about the formation of the Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District. The lakes are in better shape due to his efforts. And he was a great interview!
https://youtu.be/Mp2op-95YG4
Bill was my Father (John Schmokel)’s first cousin! Our families spent many summer days on Prior Lake with Bill (Pollack) and Eileen. I have so many fond memories of him being the big man of his house! He was one to admire! One of Pollack’s biggest pet peeves was the slamming of the door when you entered or exited his house. When I was a little kid, I remember one time I happened to allow the door to slam behind me as I ran out to the lake to swim. Pollack Yelled at me to get back and slowly and quietly shut the door as many times as he demanded. This struck a nerve in my mischievous mother (Beanie) and she got up from the table and proceeded to Slam the door over and over again. This really made Pollack angry, he picked her up and walked calmly down to the lake and quickly threw her off the end of the pier. this started a rivalry that continued for many years. When Pollack came to our house in South Bend IN , Beanie would take the first opportunity to push him in to the pool at our house fully clothed. He would chase her into the house with us kids all yelling “Get her Pollack” . This rivalry was so fun to watch. A few years ago when my Uncle Claude Passed away I made the trip up to pay my respects to him from South Bend. I was able to spend some quality time with Bill and Eileen along with my daughter Sophia. I will always cherish that time. When I heard of his passing, my heart broke. I realized that this man meant more to me than the majority of my family members. Tomorrow evening I will again be making the trip to Prior Lake to pay my last respects to one of the finest men I have ever known in my life besides my Father. I am certain they are both up in heaven having a scotch and looking down on both of their most favorite Auntie Evelyn Baer. She entertained them both at her house many nights when we were up there! My mind is full of fabulous memories and they all include all of the mentioned people above. May you rest in Eternal Peace Bill with The God you so openly Cherished! Give POP a hug from me! You will always be in my memories!
Bill was so kind. I knew him at Scott Co and as Jeanette’s neighbor. My thoughts and prayers and with you, Eileen, and the rest of the family.
With sympathy,
Susan Stolarcek
Sorry to hear Bill’s passing and you have man condolences
Bill was good friend ‘ grew up with him and Roberta through all of our school years
My condolences to Eileen, Roberta & Sharon.
My condolences to the Schmokel family. I learned a lot from Bill and I appreciate the good relationship we had when I was the watershed district technician. He was a good man.
Seventeen years ago Bill and Eileen and their family became our family. We’ve shared many moments in those years. It is with sadness we say good-bye to Bill. Thanks Bill for the friendship, enjoy your life in paradise. Pat & Kent
Dear Eileen and family,
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was such a vital member of your family. But also was such a vital member of the Prior Lake area community. He will be missed.
Maggie Klein
please share your message on my dad and we will be missed the family care for Jeffrey William schmokel thank your love me.
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To the family of Bill Schmokel. Our sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. We have always appreciated the assistance that both Bill and Eileen have given us. Barb and John Heerema, Owatonna Granite.