William “Bill” J. Schmokel, lifelong resident of Prior Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the age of 81. A visitation will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Prior Lake on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Jeff Schmokel will act as urn bearer, and grandchildren, Luke, Hannah, Eryk and Noah are honorary urn bearers. Bill will be laid to rest at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Bill’s family in his honor.
On January 28, 1935, William & Joanne Schmokel were blessed with a son, William John Schmokel. Ten minutes later, Bill’s twin sister Roberta was born. Bill loved growing up in Prior Lake with his sisters, Sharon & Roberta. Bill developed a strong work ethic as a young man. He and his sisters often worked in the family bar, the B & D, named for their dad (Bill) and aunt (Dorothy). As a boy, Bill developed an interest in hunting and fishing. He’d often bring his shotgun to school with him so he could go hunting as soon as school was done.
Bill was very proud to be a member of Prior Lake High School’s first graduating class. Following high school, Bill graduated from University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. During an obligation to the military, Bill’s sisters introduced him to Eileen Luger. Bill and Eileen soon fell in love. They exchanged wedding vows on August 11, 1962. Bill requested an August wedding so it wouldn’t interfere with hunting and fishing seasons. Bill and Eileen settled on Prior Lake and were blessed with seven wonderful children.
With a family to support, Bill quickly put his education to use by starting up Valley Engineering in 1963. Bill also began working part-time for Scott County. After about 15 years, Bill brought on a business partner so he could begin working full-time for Scott County. Soon Bill was elected to Scott County Surveyor. He was a dedicated public servant for 34 years before retiring in 1999.
In retirement, Bill had more time to pursue his interests. Prime among them was spending time in northern Minnesota at the family cabin. Bill enjoyed woodworking, tinkering on projects, and of course hunting. He especially liked hunting deer, moose, elk and turkeys. Every spring, he, Eileen and family tapped the neighborhood maple trees and made maple syrup together. More than just hobbies, these activities allowed him to supply the community of friends and family with syrup, venison sausage and wild game booyah.
Bill had many interests, but family was most important to him. He loved that so many friends and family members were constantly in and out of the house. His favorite chair was in the middle of command central, and he loved it. He’d say, “Who come in?” every time the door opened. He was ecstatic every time a family member had a building or mechanical project. While he was teased for trying to be the boss, he really just loved being involved in his children’s lives. Bill was a great husband, wonderful father and loving grandpa.
Throughout the years, Bill was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the MN Land Surveyor’s Association and the Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed. He also served on the Prior Lake School Board, acted as Prior Lake City Engineer and led the Spring Lake Cemetery Board.
Bill had a full life. He set a wonderful example for his family and all around him. Bill will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Eileen Schmokel; children, Shelley (Allen) Joscher, Scott (June) Schmokel, Mike (Kris) Schmokel, Paul (Keri) Schmokel, Jeff Schmokel, Suzy (Brad) Lindow and sixth son (nephew) Jim (Michelle) Ludowese; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon (Boyd) Wermedahl and Roberta Ludowese. Bill is preceded by his parents and son, Gregory Schmokel.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation
Prior Lake (952) 447-2633
www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
