Grete Erna Schuenzel, age 91, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at her residence in Hayward, WI. She was born on February 19, 1934 in Hamburg, Germany, the daughter of Amandus J. and Margarethe Pauline (Schroeder) Hasenbanck.

Grete was very faithful and an active member of First Lutheran Church in Hayward for over 25 years and even helped as an assistant minister when called upon. She loved knitting and helped with the prayer shawl program for the church. Grete worked for Lynne Marie’s Candies for over ten years where she enjoyed relationships she developed with her many dedicated customers. She dedicated many years working with the Northwood Humane Society. She was a warm and caring mother and a delightful friend to many.

She is survived by her son, John (Vicky Melcher) Schuenzel of Warrenville, IL; step-grandson, Derek Melcher of Joliet, IL and her beloved cat, Annie.

In addition to her parents, Grete is preceded in death by her partner, Erika Juhl and her siblings, Hike and Amandus.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 10680 Main Street in Hayward, where visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of the service. A private family interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Northwood’s Humane Society, P.O. Box 82, Hayward, WI 54843 or paws@northwoodshumanesociety.org.

Last Update: Aug 22, 2025 7:21 am CDT