Shellby Jean Schommer

Shellby Schommer, age 63, of Beldenville, Wisconsin, passed away on May 30, 2026, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Shellby was born on December 21, 1962, in Douglas County, Tennessee, the daughter of Lynn and Ruby (Leply) Brooks. She was raised in Tennessee and attended elementary school there before her family moved to Wisconsin, where she graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 1980.

She was a lifelong learner who believed there was always something new to discover. Her dedication to personal growth and education led her to earn two Bachelor of Science degrees and three master's degrees. She built a career in project management and worked as a Senior Project Manager for many years at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, an international law firm. She also worked as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, providing counseling that reflected her compassion and commitment to helping others.

On September 5, 1987, she married her soulmate and best friend, Michael Schommer, at St. Mary's Big River Catholic Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, love, and laughter and were blessed with three daughters: Jeri, Erica, and Samantha.

Shellby was all about family. Being a Wife, Mom, and Grandma were her greatest accomplishments and the roles she cherished most. Mike was the love of her life, her soulmate, and her best friend. Their nearly 39 years of marriage were built on love, laughter, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to one another. She and Mike shared a life filled with travel, good food, and everyday moments that became lasting memories. Watching her girls grow and being actively involved in their lives brought her deep pride.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and nothing brought her more joy than watching them grow into the people they were becoming. She rarely missed a sporting event, performance, school activity, or opportunity to show up for those she loved. Whether cheering from the sidelines, sitting in an audience, or celebrating life's milestones, she made sure her family felt supported, valued, and deeply loved. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren and was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Together, Shellby and Mike enjoyed traveling, especially to Jamaica, Florida, the Caribbean, and St. Thomas. She loved good food and never hesitated to offer Mike her thoughts when he was cooking. She especially enjoyed the popovers at the Laurel and visits to Jake's in Menomonie.

If you knew Shellby, you knew her remarkable ability to see the good in people. She believed in assuming positive intent and moved through life with optimism, kindness, and grace. Her compassion extended to family, friends, and even the smallest of creatures. Whether releasing a trapped mouse outdoors or rescuing boxelder bugs from the house, she believed every life deserved care. When she wasn't with family, she enjoyed finding a great bargain while shopping and trying her luck at the casino.

She will forever remain in the hearts of her husband and best friend, Mike; daughters Jeri (Mike) Williamson, Erica (Marcus) Kenall, and Samantha (Mike) Wilson; grandchildren MaKenna, Landen, Harper, Dax, Emma, Rorie, RJ, Leo, and Gracie; siblings Michael Tyler and Lisa (Jeff) Shaffer; brothers- and sisters-in-law Gary (Sandy) Schommer, Roger (Shirley) Schommer, Pete (Kathy) Schommer, Pat (Debbie) Schommer, Audrey (Dennis) Wussler, Roxi (Randy) Koller, Mary (Pat) McNaughton, Jeanie (Scott) Marik, Gene (Debbie) Cernohous, and Debbie Kinneman; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn and Ruby Brooks; her beloved grandson, Trenten; brother Jeff Bechtold; brothers- and sisters-in-law Charlene Cernohous and Ronnie Schommer; and parents-in-law Maurice and Virginia Schommer.

Mass of Christian Burial for Shellby will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, with an additional one-hour visitation prior to the service on Saturday.

Arrangements are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.