Jeanette Stintzi Schaller

Jeanette S. Schaller, 88, of Sparta passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on January 1, 1938 in Bangor, WI to John and Elaine (Erickson) Stintzi. She grew up in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she received a bachelor’s degree in music education. 

Although there was no girls high school sports Jeanette excelled as an athlete. She played fast pitch softball while in school at Eau Claire and was invited to try out for the All-American Red Heads, the first professional women’s basketball team. 

Jeanette married Armand R. “Ham” Schaller on August 5, 1961 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor. Together, they enjoyed many happy years camping with family and friends. They enjoyed a great deal of time outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking, golf, bird watching, gardening, and enjoyed weekends at their family cabin on Lake Holcomb. Jeanette enjoyed crossword puzzles, paint by numbers, and was an avid walker.

Jeanette taught in La Farge and West Salem before settling in at Bangor Schools. After she retired from Bangor Schools, she worked as an aide in the success center at Sparta High School and she still substituted in Sparta and West Salem for many years after. One of her most memorable honors was she was the Parade Marshall for West Salem homecoming.

Jeanette is survived by her son, John Paul Schaller of Sparta; grandchildren, Delaney Schaller of Sparta, Madeline Schaller (Anthony) of Madison, Jacob (Taylor) Leis of La Crosse, and Benjamin (Stephanie) Leis of Baraboo; and brother, Roy (Maureen) Stintzi of Beaver Falls, PA; former daughter-in-law, Melodie (Kevin) Brown of Camp Douglas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Armand “Ham” on June 26, 2001; brothers, George and Jack Stintzi; and sisters, LouAnn Hanson and Mary McHenry.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. A luncheon will follow at Bangor Lanes.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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