James W. Schaus, age 86 of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by his beloved family.
Jim was born August 23, 1939, in Manitowoc, son of the late Roland and Claribel (Radandt) Schaus. He lived in Manitowoc and worked at WM. Schaus & Son his entire life with the exception of 3 years during active duty in the U.S. Army Engineers during which he achieved rank of E-5 / P-2. On January 7, 1961, he married the love of his life the former Polly Pelnar at St. Mark’s Church in Two Rivers. The two traveled to France, Germany, Japan, and many more countries throughout, as well as the United States. They also wintered in Gulf Shores and enjoyed their second home in Door County and traveling on their boat.
Jim served all positions at WM. Schaus & Son including President and Owner. In 1990, the company was renamed to Schaus Roofing & Mechanical which Jim continued with ownership and management, retiring in 2005. In 1992, Jim founded Allstates Rigging Inc as the primary owner and president until 2021 when he retired from that company. In 1975, Jim and his brother Allen formed Schaus Equipment & Leasing. In 1980, the brothers formed Schaus Inc. in which he served as president and owner until February 2021. In 1991, Jim founded Trade Specialties Inc. operating and owning it until 2019.
Jim’s personal life was filled with activities including preservation of his land and the wildlife that enjoyed it. He also enjoyed his hunting trips with friends, grandsons, great-grandsons, daughter-in-law and son-in-law to WI, MI, CO, IA, NE, ND, and Canda. When not working or hunting, his time was spent collecting and preserving antique construction equipment. He also served as National Director on the Board of Directors of the Historic Construction Equipment Association, from 1994 to present. Jim’s equipment was transported to national construction shows around the United States. His company, Allstates Rigging, moved his machines to show sites. On the civic level, Jim served as president of Manitowoc Jaycee and Kiwanis Clubs of Greater Manitowoc. Jim was also president of Manitowoc Fish & Game Association and president of The Lakeshore Technical School Joint Apprenticeship Committee. He also served 8 years as president of the Hartlaub Lake Association. In October 2022, Jim, accompanied by his daughter-in-law, also a veteran, traveled on the Honor Flight.
Survivors include his wife: Polly Schaus, Manitowoc; three daughters: Victoria (Samantha Grage) Seehafer, Manitowoc, Lisa Schaus, Manitowoc, Kelly (Kory Deering) Schaus-Deering, Valders; grandchildren: Trevor Seehafer (Julie Jeske), Justin Schaus-Surfus (Autumn Wimberly), Brennan (Shilah) Seehafer, Brock (Josie) Deering, Weston Deering, Morgan Deering; great-grandchildren: Wyatt Seehafer, Colt Schaus, Carson Seehafer, Benson Seehafer, Alexis Jeske, Zachary Jeske, Urijah Millen, Ethan Millen, Grace Dirkman; one sister: Karen (Terry) Posey; sister-in-law: Sally (Todd) Eesley; brother: John (Jill) Pelnar; his special pets: Penny, Erma, Abby, LucyLu; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Roland and Claribel Schaus; two brothers: Allen (Ruthie) Schaus, Kenneth Schaus; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Alger and Doris Pelnar.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Doug LeCaptain will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Relatives and friends may call at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th, Manitowoc, on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a parish prayer service led by Deacon Al Boeldt at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until Mass at 11:00 a.m. Military Honors will take place at Calvary Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Historical Construction Equipment Association.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
