Madelon Ruth Schar, Beloit  (1947 - 2011)

September 9, 1947 - August 5, 2011
Madelon Ruth Schar, 63, of Beloit, WI, died peacefully in her home Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, surrounded by her loving family.
“Schar” was born on Sept. 9, 1947, in Hull, IA, the daughter of Warren A. and Ruth E (Baumgaertner) Schar. Madelon was a 1965 graduate of Hull High School. After graduating from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD in 1969, she joined the faculty at Beloit Memorial High School. Over her years there, she helped to establish the girls’ athletic programs following the passage of the Federal Title IX program. Among her favorite achievements was developing and teaching an adaptive physical education program, bringing opportunities for athletic expression to many children who would otherwise not have known the pride of athletic effort. She sought out children who had fallen through the cracks, and provided strong and compassionate mentoring throughout her career at Beloit Memorial High School. She taught and coached numerous sports during her career, retiring in 2003 after 34 years with Beloit Memorial High School. She received a Master's Degree in Education at UW Whitewater during her years at Beloit Memorial High School.
Madelon was a devoted and active member of the Beloit Educational Association, and loved her involvement in negotiating and communicating teachers’ issues throughout the whole community. She was an active member of the congregation of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, participating in many stewardship programs. Her favorite devotion was singing and worshiping with the choir, up to the very last days of her life.
Madelon enjoyed all silent outdoor sports, excelling with Deborah in many, including the challenges of learning to climb in her 40s, bicycling throughout her life, learning to downhill ski and master it in her 50s. Together, she and Deb conquered five of the major peaks in the Grand Tetons, seeing the world as few do. Madelon had a soft spot in her heart for all God’s creatures, and adored her pets Bruiser, Mr. Sneakers, and Turbo.
Survivors include her partner in life and love for 37 years, Deborah A. Burns of Beloit, WI; two brothers, Stephen W. (Ann) Schar and Curtis J. (Laura) Schar; Deborah’s mother, Maxine Burns; Deborah’s brothers and sisters: Cindy (Gary) Seidel, Julie (fiancé, Greg Strain) Burns, Brian (Mary) Burns, Lori (Shelley O’Brien) Burns, and Michael (Christina) Burns; nieces and nephews: Daniel (Cathi Ho) Schar, Pamela (Jerod) Hallauer, Matt Schar, Kara (fiancé, Josh Langan) Schar, Nathan (Wade Schaaf) Rohrer, Andrew Rohrer, Eric and Riley Rohrer, Alexander, Nicholas, Christopher, and Patrick Burns; great-nieces and nephews: Meradith, Carson, Rylie, Hayden, Avery Jo, Ariana, Jameson, and Keoni; many other beloved family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and Deborah’s father, Robert L. Burns.
Deb would like to personally thank all of the friends, family, former students, and staff who sent many kind messages and cards supporting Madelon during her illness.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 13, 2011, in OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit, WI, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl officiating. Inurnment will be in Mt. Thabor Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Madelon Schar Scholarship Foundation, which it will establish to endow or support the educational needs of Beloit Memorial High School students who may otherwise not be able to pursue further education; enabling them to overcome obstacles to their future, and to achieve more than they might otherwise have dreamed. Memorials may also be made in Madelon’s name to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com or on the facebook group established by her family and friends; Remembering Ms. Madelon Schar (former BMHS teacher).