Christopher John Schauder

Christopher John Schauder, age 58, died peacefully at his home in Tomahawk, on March 31, 2026. 

Born on January 22, 1968, in Rhinelander. Chris was a graduate of Rhinelander High School, class of 1986, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He built his career and much of his adult life in Evergreen, Colorado, where he served as new service and environmental manager for the Evergreen Water Department for more than 20 years — work that reflected his deep commitment to the land and communities he loved. In 2022, he returned to the Northwoods of Wisconsin to be close to his family, and the lake outside his window suited him just fine. 

Chris made his living in service to his community, but he made his life on the water, in the mountains, and among the people — and dogs — he loved. He was a fisherman at heart, at home on the lake with a line in the water and no particular hurry. He loved the Colorado mountains — Kenosha Pass, the summit of Mount Evans — and live music was the thread that ran through it all, never more perfectly than on the stage at Red Rocks under an open sky. He found his way to the Cubby Bear Bar in Chicago on New Year's Eve, 1993, where he shared his first kiss with Marcy — proof that the best nights always have a good soundtrack. He was a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, humble about it in the way only a true fan can be, though those who followed him on game days knew to watch for a single, satisfied "Woot" after every win. He was devoted to his dogs, Comet, Groovy, Luna, and Petey, each of whom knew exactly where to find him. He lived fully and without apology, and he brought everyone around him along for the ride. 

He will be remembered for his fierce independence, his dry humor, his loyalty to the people he loved, and his quiet, unwavering courage in the face of a battle he faced with his eyes open and his head up. He fought esophageal cancer the way he did everything — on his own terms. 

Chris was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate, Marcy Newman; his maternal grandparents, Mary and John Sharples; and his paternal grandparents, Herb and Carol Schauder. 

He is survived by his parents, Pat and Phil Schauder of Rhinelander; his favorite sister, Rita Marquardt and her husband Karl of the Wausau area; his brother, Mark Schauder and his wife Kathleen of Madison; sister-in-law Elissa Newman-Karhoff and her husband Gary of Scottsdale; his nieces and nephews, Nicole Briskie (Ryan), Matt Marquardt (Elizabeth), Gavin and Wyatt Schauder, and Lucas and Ricky Grobart; his uncle, Bob Jaeckin; his uncle, Jack Sharples; his aunts, Lynda Lukowski and Phoebe McIntyre; cousins around the world; and lifelong friends — Paul, Keeter, and Kyle — who made his world richer than he would ever admit. 

According to Chris's wishes, there will be no immediate memorial service. A celebration of life will be held later this summer, giving people the time they need before gathering — just as he and Marcy had done before. Details will be shared when available. 

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the teams at Compassus Hospice and Aspirus Cancer Center in Rhinelander, whose compassion, skill, and dedication to Chris's comfort and dignity made an immeasurable difference during his final months. He was in extraordinary hands, and his family will not forget it. The family also wishes to thank Hildebrand Funeral Home for their care and professionalism during this difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris's memory to the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance (CGCA) — a cause that was deeply important to both Chris and Marcy. CGCA provides emotional and financial support to Coloradans diagnosed with gynecologic cancers and was close to Marcy's heart during her own fight. Donations may be made at ovariancancercolorado.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.