Wayne Robert Schade

Wayne met his wife Diane Wendt while teaching at Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin. They married in August of 1966 and celebrated 56 years together, raising their two children, Pamela (Jeff) and David (Casey), and enjoying their four grandchildren; Kendall, Will, Everly and Lillian. 

Wayne dedicated his 40+ year career in public education to improving science education opportunities for students in Wisconsin, Texas and Michigan. During his career Wayne taught in the high school and college classroom before transitioning into administration. Wayne’s time in Texas included roles with Region XIII Education Service Center, The Texas Education Agency, and the Austin Independent School District, during which he was named the Administrator of the Year in 1983 by the Austin Association of Teachers. In 1991 Wayne and Diane moved their family back north, this time to neighboring Michigan, where Wayne became the Director of the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC), a position he would hold for more than a decade. In 2002 he took on the Directorship of the Science and Math Academy of the Michigan Virtual High School, helping to build a program to offer advanced math and science classes to schools across the state of Michigan, providing online options to reach students in districts unable to provide advanced classes. 

Wayne’s passion and dedication to his community went far beyond his career. His life was marked with a belief in the importance of serving others. Wayne poured countless hours back into his community including serving on the Board of Directors of the Anderson Mill Municipal Utility District from 1976-1991. This further included numerous positions with his family’s churches in Austin and Kalamazoo, President of the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network, work with the Austin and Kalamazoo Nature Centers, and many more. No role brought him more enjoyment than watching Austin’s budding scientists and mathematicians shine in his decade as the Director of the Austin Area Science and Mathematics Fair. 

Upon retirement, Texas and its snow free weather beckoned for him to return south. Wayne and Diane made the move back to their adopted home, this time settling in Round Rock, Texas to be close to their two children and old friends. It came as no surprise that Wayne did not take to the slower pace of retirement. Along with diving into a new passion for golf, Wayne loved spending time traveling with Diane across North America in their RV and venturing to Europe, Central America and the Caribbean. Wayne continued to invest his time in his community. His retirement years included serving in many roles at Hope Presbyterian Church, taking on the office of Treasurer for the Austin Retired Teacher Association and returning to judge at the Austin Area Science Fair. But, by far, his favorite role was that of a proud grandfather, ever present at their sporting events, competitions and spending time with all the grandkids either for birthdays, special events or vacations. Any time spent together was an excuse for ice cream! 

Wayne was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Diane (Wendt) Schade, his daughter Pamela (Jeff) McBride of Round Rock, Texas, his son David (Casey) Schade of Kalamazoo, MI, his sister Elaine (Ron) Gosse of Abbotsford, WI, Patti (Dennis) Bowen of Wausau, WI and his four grandchildren Will McBride, Kendall, Everly and Lillian Schade. He will be missed by loving nieces, nephews and many dear friends.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Presbyterian Generation to Generation Fund or the Austin Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) Scholarship Fund.