It saddens us to share that our dear mother, Algreta Schutte, passed away at her home on November 24, 2022 at the age of 92 after a long and full life. She was very loved and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Algreta was married to A. George Schutte for 75 years. Recently celebrating that anniversary. She was the mother of twelve sons and five daughters. Grandmother to more than 50 grandchildren and Great Grandmother of nearly 70 with more on the way.

Algreta is survived by her husband A. George Schutte, her Sisters Roberta and Sandra, Son Paul (Jerrie) Schutte, Son Daniel (Bev) Schutte, Son Russell (Cindy) Schutte, Daughter Teresa Behm, Daughter Michele Schutte-Fuchs, Daughter Denise (Michael) Erickson, Son Jody (Cheryl) Schutte, Son Joel Schutte, Son Patrick (LaDema) Schutte, Daughter Lynette (Robert) Rice, Son George Schutte, Daughter Gina (Daniel) Gardner, Son Frank (Vanessa) Schutte, Son Tory (Brenda) Schutte, Son Ryan (Yvonne) Schutte and daughter-in-law’s, Nancy Schutte and Monique Schutte.

Algreta was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Rachel, her sons James and Pierre, son-in-law Roger, grandson James, granddaughter Payton, and great granddaughter Lily.

Algreta was an active member of the Monroe and St. Victors Parish community for over 62 years. She volunteered to read to children and regularly assisted with numerous church events. She belonged to the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Monroe Women’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and The Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed square dancing with the Stateline Dancers.

Algreta had many hobbies and projects she was working on at any given time. She enjoyed making quilts, stamp collecting, postcard collecting and refurbishing “antiques and uniques’. She has volumes of photo albums of her children which were meticulously kept for each child. Her biggest passion was her doll collection. Algreta loved to collect dolls. Lots of dolls. Old, new, broken dolls in need of love. She saw the potential and beauty in all of them. As if there was any time left, she loved to swim, play cards, do jigsaw puzzles and board games with friends and family. She was an avid reader and had an amazing book collection. Everything from John Steinbeck to William Shakespeare to romance novels.

Algreta liked to fish. She fished everywhere from the oceans, to the Great Lakes to nearby rivers and streams. She frequently caught more or bigger fish than the other members of the group. And while she didn’t gloat, it clearly delighted her. Algreta loved to travel, camping, flying and cruises were frequently part of her life.

Algreta’s Christmas trees were a sight to behold. Each year there was a minimum of three trees, each lavishly decorated, the branches weighed down with a massive amount but beautifully arranged ornaments, and complete with an antique train running on the track over the tree skirt. The trees held antique baubles, traditional bulbs, amazing lights and decorations made by her children and grandchildren. Every ornament was precious to her. Each year, everyone searched for the Christmas corn, peapod, garlic and of course the Christmas pickle. She always had a beautiful Christmas Village that grew in size and beauty over the years.

Algreta loved babies, she held, admired and spoiled each newborn. Her home has always had a children’s area loaded with toys, puzzles, children’s books, a toddler’s table made just for the little ones and a baby’s highchair near the dining table. She adorned her home with wonderful mother and child pictures.

Algreta enjoyed family and friends visiting. Whether it was the magnitude of the Schutte Family Reunion with hundreds of people, lots of food, music and the evening topped off with amazing fireworks or just sitting outside in the sunshine chatting with a neighbor who just happened to drop by with a jar of jelly or to say hello. She loved it.

Algreta was an amazing, beautiful, strong woman. Through her we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. In difficult times, she fought fiercely, always determined to achieve her goals. She was dearly loved and will be dearly missed. We miss you already, Mom. Many tears will be shed for this truly amazing woman.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Shriner - Hager – Gohlke Funeral Home 1455 Mansion Drive, Monroe, Wis. Funeral and Services will be held Friday, December 2, 2022 at St. Clare Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church Visitation at 10am and a Catholic Mass beginning at 11am. A Christian burial at the Calvary Cemetery Monroe, Wi, with a luncheon to follow at St Victor’s Parish