Kolette Schuchard

Kolette Dawn Schuchard, age 65, of Eyota, Minnesota, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on September 13, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with necrotizing pancreatitis. She was born on October 23, 1959, to LeRoy and Marjorie Haverly and grew up surrounded by the love of family and faith that would shape her life.

For many months, Kolette endured her illness with extraordinary strength, while her devoted husband, Ray, never left her side. Their steadfast love and unwavering bond, forged over more than 50 years together and 47 years of marriage, stood as a testament to true soulmates and partnership.

Above all, Kolette's greatest joy in life was her family. She poured every ounce of her heart into them, never missing a moment to remind them of her love. She was the center of every gathering, the voice of comfort in times of difficulty, and the laughter that brought warmth to ordinary days. Her daughter, Brittany, and grandson, Kaden, were her pride and delight, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, comfort them in struggles, or simply be present with unwavering devotion. Kolette's family always knew that no matter the circumstance, she would be there, with open arms, a listening ear, and love that had no end.

She had a gift for knowing exactly what to say, for offering comfort with her smile, and for showing a love so deep that everyone who knew her felt it. She poured her heart into everything she did, whether riding motorcycles with Ray, family, and dear friends, or expressing her creativity through scrapbooking, quilting, and countless other crafts. A few years ago, Kolette treated herself to her own Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and the joy and freedom it brought her were unmatched. Her beauty, happiness, and spirit shined the brightest when she was on the open road surrounded by those she loved.

Kolette also dedicated nearly four decades of her life to her work with the Penz family, beginning in 1986 and continuing until the present. She found deep joy in helping solve some of the toughest questions and treasured the opportunity to work alongside a family whose values of faith and love mirrored her own. This work was more than a career, it was an extension of her heart and her gift for serving others with wisdom, loyalty, and compassion.

Kolette's life was filled with devotion, to her faith, her family, and to helping others. She was the heart of her family, the steady presence that held them together through every season of life. She encouraged her loved ones to chase their dreams and always reminded them of their worth. Kolette had a special way of seeing the unique person in everyone she met, and she had a gift for nurturing the best in people. She lived by example, teaching those around her to love unconditionally, to give generously, to persevere through life's trials, and to laugh often. Her family and friends will carry forward the lessons she embodied, and her love will remain a constant source of strength and comfort.

She is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Marjorie Haverly. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ray; their daughter, Brittany; grandson, Kaden; her brother, John (Elaine) Haverly; sister, Tracy (Mark Larson) Haverly; nephew, Karl (Danielle Gulden) Haverly; and many extended family and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Kolette's faith carried her throughout her life, and her legacy of resilience, love, and humor will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

Her love was boundless, her spirit unbreakable, and her memory eternal.

We are blessed beyond measure to have her as our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Our lives are forever richer because of her love.

Grandma, I love you to the moon and back to infinity and beyond. Wait for me on the moon I will meet you there someday.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Schad and Zabel Funeral Home (115 South Avenue, Eyota, MN), and one hour prior to srvices at the church.

A funeral service celebrating Kolette's life will take place on Thursday, September 18, at 11:00 AM at Faith United Methodist Church in Eyota (27 W. 4th Street).

Schad and Zabel Funeral Home is handling arrangements.