Justin Schaller

Justin Anthony Schaller, age 40, died peacefully and gracefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. He was surrounded by love in the moment of his passing.

Justin was born on May 10, 1977 in Rochester, MI to Kaye and Nelson Schaller. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1995, and went on to attend Milwaukee School of Engineering before transferring to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned a degree in Graphic Design. Justin was an accomplished graphic artist with a keen eye for sales, most recently working at Close Up Apparel in Eau Claire. Justin loved what he did, his passion lay in his art, his specialization creating logos for sports teams and breweries, two of his favorite things. If you are from the Eau Claire and Milwaukee areas it is almost certain that you have seen or worn one of his designs.

Justin’s quiet confidence was infectious, and his smile lit up every room. He was a man of strong faith and was very active in his church; Justin created graphic work for Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, where he also led hospitality groups. Justin traveled several times to Juarez, Mexico and once to the Dominican Republic with Casas Por Cristo to build homes, and this was something that profoundly changed who he was and how he saw the world. Justin was sensitive and compassionate, and no matter the obstacle, he always displayed unyielding positivity. Even through his short and tragic sickness he often remarked to his wife Kati about just how blessed they were in life. Throughout his youth, Justin loved playing sports, particularly excelling in both baseball and basketball, but he also played football, soccer and tennis. He was also an avid snowboarder who was looking forward to teaching his kids how to shred, and dreamed of one day moving back to Colorado with Kati. Justin was an avid sports fan, he loved the Packers and the Brewers in Wisconsin, but was loyal to his Ohio roots, and was a huge Buckeyes fan, much to the chagrin of his friends. Fall was reserved for Fantasy Football, the NFL Network and the Packers, spring and summer were all baseball. Justin coached his son Kai’s baseball and basketball teams for several years, and he loved watching his son play. As a father, Justin was kind, loving and strong, and he was truly adored by all five of his children -- he couldn’t have been more proud of them. He was “Dad” and “Superdad” for far too little time, but his children will carry his immense love for them in their hearts forever. He and Kati were perfect travel companions, both up for any adventure, and they shared a love of music, the arts, and not sweating the small stuff. Their hearts were uniquely and instantly connected, and in one another they found their perfect soulmate. Justin had many friends, he was well-liked and respected by everyone, but his small group of best friends were his family, and he was so devoted them.

Justin is survived by his adoring wife Kati (Golden), two children, Milla and Kai, and three stepchildren, Ella, Anna & Simon; his father Nelson Schaller, stepmom Corie Schaller, stepbrother Nate Moquin, all of Eau Claire, and stepsister Heather Wagner, of Montrose, MI; his sisters Rene (Nashville) and Michelle (St. Paul); and the mother of his children Shannon Schaller (Eau Claire). Justin was preceded in death by his mother Kaye Schaller.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25th at Peace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 24th at the church.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.

The Schaller family asks only that you love one another, laugh a lot, and toast to enduring friendships here and beyond, but mostly, that you remain JFlex Strong, because that’s what Justin would have wanted. Justin was a once in a lifetime kind of guy, and he will be sorely missed, but he wouldn’t want any of this fanfare, he’d just want to party.