Kevin John Schell
Kevin John Schell , Age 60
Kevin John Schell, age 60, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital with family by his side.
Kevin, son of Thomas and Shari (Sprecher) Schell was born August 28, 1964 in Baraboo. He was a graduate of Baraboo High School, Class of ’82 where he was involved in many sports. He was proud to have gone to state for wrestling his senior year, unfortunately he lost after the first round. After high school, he briefly attended UW-LaCrosse. On August 6, 1988 he was united in marriage to Debra Dregne at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Reedsburg. In 1992 they proudly welcomed son, Casey.
Kevin worked for Carpenter Glass. He then started working for Deppe Enterprise in 1991 where he later became general manager and wore many hats. He dedicated 33 years of service to the company. One of his favorite duties at Deppe was coordinating the circus wagons being transported throughout the United States.
Kevin won many awards and championships in garden tractor pulling; he was proud to be able to build a tractor for his son which he won many awards with. He was on the board for Wisconsin Garden Tractor Pullers, Inc. He enjoyed volunteering in various capacities with many tractor pulling organizations and working with the Deppe Pulling Team which eventually made national success.
Kevin was a volunteer firefighter for the Baraboo Fire Department, he worked through the ranks and retired as Captain after 28 years. He mentored dozens of firefighters as they became part of the department. He also enjoyed being Santa for the fire department kids Christmas parties.
In 2010 he co-founded SJS (Spencer-Johnson-Schell) Cancer Support Team that raises funds to support local community members affected by cancer. He was a very kind and giving man and that was made evident by the generosity of this organization in great part due to him.
Kevin was involved in various committees; he served on his church council, Sauk County Board, Highway and Law Enforcement committees, and a member of the Badger Steam and Gas, several trap shooting clubs, and he recently became a member of Baraboo Elk’s Lodge #688.
Kevin was a huge light in everyone’s life. He was the first one to give the shirt off his back; always worrying about others before himself. Though he fought many health struggles, Kevin’s one liners and humor stayed with him until the very end. He loved trains and airplanes and had a sweet spot for elephants; he enjoyed sharing his love of them with others. His greatest joy was his granddaughter, Layla.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Debbie; son, Casey (Alyssa) Schell; grandchildren, Layla Grace and Lincoln John Schell; his mother, Shari; sisters, Shannon Schell, Stacey (Jason) Garbacz, Kerry Schell; half-sister, Yvonne Wright. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Davonna (Steve) Runde and Lisa Schell; as well as, Diane (Mike) Mountford along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas; in-laws David and Donna Dregne; his brother, Shawn Schell and his sister, Kelly Schell.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. as well as on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kevin’s name may be made to SJS Cancer Support Team. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
Condolences
Brenda Emery May 18, 2025
Taught school with Debbie North Freedom , Wisconsin
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort & peace during this difficult time.
Shannon Baker (Wayman) May 18, 2025
Friend Verona , Wisconsin
I feel so thankful to have known Kevin. Kevin’’s larger than life personality and humor will be greatly missed. Debbie, Casey, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Robert Spencer May 18, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Words alone cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of Kevin. I had the privilege of knowing this great person who served on the Sauk County Board. His humor and wit along with grin as he stated the punchline when telling a joke will be always remembered. He will be missed by all who knew this great guy.
Wendy Hanko May 18, 2025
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about Kevin's passing. He sounds like he was a wonderful husband and man. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie May 18, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Hi Debbie. We so sorry for you loss. Kevin will be missed dearly. Sending prayers to you and your family. Matt and Leslie Hamilton.
Charlotte Snyder May 18, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Rest in peace! You were a great friend to all! You will surely be missed! Prayers and thoughts to your Wife Deb and family!
Brad Pitt May 18, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My condolences to Kevin’s family. We didn't see each other often, but every time it was as if it was just the day before. He was a bright light and I will miss him.
Todd and Dana Krueger May 18, 2025
Cousin Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Our hearts go out to you all. Kevin was one of a kind and will truly be missed. Not to mention one of the best cousins ever Todd, Dana and Joshua
Tammy Braun May 18, 2025
Cousin Loganville , Wisconsin
Dear Deb, My heart is full of sadness for you and your family. Kev was such a great Cuz. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you or Casey need let me know. Praying, Steve and Tammy Braun
Brad Von Behren May 18, 2025
Friend Prairie du Sac , Wisconsin
I'm so very sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. I just saw him a few weeks ago and as always we laughed and had a great time. Thinking of you all.
Dennis and Penny Quandt May 18, 2025
Friend Dothan , AL
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time.
Cheryl Shanks May 19, 2025
Friend in Baraboo North Freedom , Wisconsin
Debbie and Family, we are so sorry to hear this news of Kevin. Our thoughts are with you.
Mike Baughman May 19, 2025
Seneca Foods Twin Falls , Idaho
I had the good fortune of meeting Kevin while working at Seneca Foods, always honest and straightforward in our dealings. Thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Gaile Burchill May 19, 2025
Friend Spring Green , Wisconsin
I am shocked and saddened by the sudden life of Kevin from our lives. And send condolences to Kevin's family. I was privileged to sit behind Kevin on the Sauk County Board each month. He always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed.
Marlene Powell Parchem May 19, 2025
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear about Kevin. I have known him since he wasn't a little boy. God Bless you all. Love Marlene
Kristin B Gesteland May 19, 2025
Taught with Debbie in the Reedsburg School District REEDSBURG , Wisconsin
Dear Debbie and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian Peper May 19, 2025
Friend Loganville , Wisconsin
Debbie, My Heart is filled with sadness after hearing the news of the loss of Kevin. It was always a pleasure to share a couple jokes and laughs together before or Hwy: Department, and Law Enforcement Meetings !!!! May God give You and Your Family Strength and Peace in this time of Deep Sorrow!
Brian Peper May 19, 2025
Friend Loganville , Wisconsin
Debbie My Heart is full with grief, and sadness after hearing about the loss of Kevin. I always enjoyed sharing a few jokes, and laughs with Kevin before our Hwy. Department, and Law Enforcement Meetings! He was a great guy! May God give You, and Your Family Peace and Strength in this time of Deep Sorrow ! Our Sympathies Brian & Katie Peper
Smooth May 19, 2025
Friend PDS , Wisconsin
Great man… This one’s gonna ripple and hurt through a lot of people’s lives. Kevin wore a lot of hats and was a lot different things to different people. I’ve been on fire grounds with him as a supporting fire department, and I have been on the county board with him. I will not recognize my committee or the board room without him there. Kevinwas a full and complete good guy. God bless everyone who is having their different level of loss.
Roy A Greenwood May 20, 2025
Cousin Sheboygan Falls , Wisconsin
I have good memories of young Kevin as we grew up. Kevin and Shawn were always good to be around. My heartfelt condolences to family. I am proud of Kevin and the life he led; he did well
Pam and jeff Johnson May 20, 2025
Friend North freedom , Wisconsin
Dear Debbie and Family ..I'm so very sorry for your loss ..he will be missed by so many ..always time to say hi ...our thoughts and prayers are with you
Linda Speich May 21, 2025
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
I send my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was always such a pleasure to see at Quindt's Towne Lounge. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Brett Rabata May 21, 2025
Friend Chicago , Illinois
My prayers go out to Debbie and Kevin's family! It's always hard to see a classmate pass away. Since moving away, I haven't seen Kevin much but I have always considered him a friend. You will not only be missed by your family, but the community of Baraboo. Rest in peace, Kevin Brett
Ron laufenberg May 21, 2025
Friend Stoughton , Wisconsin
One day I will race foot race you on the beach again my friend RIP
John E Cabaj May 22, 2025
Classmate and friend PRAIRIE DU SAC , Wisconsin
Dear Schell Family, I graduated with Kevin from Baraboo Senior High in 1982 and played high school and Legion baseball with him throughout those memorable years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and your family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, John and Jody Cabaj
Jeff Sprecher May 22, 2025
relative baraboo , Wisconsin
Rest in peace, cousin. You will be missed. Condolences to Deb and family, relatives, friends.
Dave & Kati Dahlke May 22, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Debbie - Our deepest condolences and heart felt sympathy to you and your family. Kevin was a blessing to everyone who knew with infectious humor, wit and charm. Kevin was an instrumental team member of the Baraboo River Runners snowmobile club and Association of Sauk County Snowmobile Clubs. As a member of the River Runners, Kevin was always willing to assist with groomer maintenance scheduling operations as well as being our MC for local fund raising club events. As a County Board member, he was an instrumental voice helping the county association relocate to a facility that will support its needs for years to come. May the many happy memories we all have of Kevin, give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
Roy A Greenwood May 22, 2025
Cousin Sheboygan Falls , Wisconsin
Dear Debbie and Schell family my deepest sympathy in your loss.
David-Kelly Sprecher May 22, 2025
cousin Sioux Falls , South Dakota
So sorry to learn of Kevin's passing. Just saw him at Bud's Funeral-- as usual- great spirit and sense of humor. May he rest in peace and friends and family remember the good times and Love shared.
Jim Barnhart May 23, 2025
Friend Beverly Hills , Florida
My condolences to the family. I was a year older than Kevin but had so many memories of Kevin from HS and Legion baseball. Sometimes he got to ride to baseball games in my 72 Bonneville with the tunes cranked. One time we decide to put on some boxing gloves and he was a little "surprised" by my left hook. He drew a pencil sketch of Barny from the Flintstones for me. I still have it. Rest in peace Kevin, say high to Shawn and your Dad. Such a great family.
Gary and Diana Boettcher May 27, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Pete and Beth Goethel May 28, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Such a sweet man and bright light in so many lives. We will miss him dearly. Heaven gained truly gained an angel. Love and prayers to Debbie and his family and friends.