Michael Schade

Michael Edward Schade was born July 18, 1948 to Karl William Schade, Sr. and Margaret Butler Schade in Morenci. He was the second of three children residing with the family in Clifton. He attended school there until 1964 at which time the family moved to Safford. He attended Safford High School where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was active in the school choir and played the clarinet in the band. After graduating from Safford High School in 1966, he attended the University of Arizona and Eastern Arizona College. During this time he developed a talent and love of painting and produced many beautiful works of art. He married Pamela Jane Ferguson of Safford in 1968 until 1982, raising their 3 children; Brian, Karen and Sandra. He moved to Sierra Vista in 1969 to establish and manage a warehouse for the family owned Pepsi-Cola franchise. He lived and continued his career there for over 40 years taking immense pride in his work, products and co-workers. Mike took pride in his community and as a civic minded person ran for and was elected into city council, serving from 1979-1981. He was then elected Mayor of Sierra Vista from 1981-1983. During this time, among other things, he played an active role in the preparation and ground breaking for the newly planned City Hall. Mike loved to participate in and watch all sports and had an amazing love of animals, especially his beloved dogs Charlie and Buzz. One thing he loved more than anything was getting to participate in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was always there with encouragement, honesty, laughter and fun. He thrived on the innocence of youth because he himself was a kid at heart. Theres nothing he enjoyed more than to amuse his grandkids. To them he will always be Grandad. He was a humble man with an open, loving, accepting and generous heart. Mike was a friend to all. He gave himself entirely to loved ones and strangers alike. Mikes life tragically ended April 25, 2010. He is preceded in death by his father, Karl William Schade, Sr. and granddaughter Inara Michelle Schade. Survived by his mother, Margaret Butler Schade of Safford, brother Karl W. (Paula) Schade of Safford, sister Susan E. (David) Decker of Safford, children Brian Michael (Sharon) Schade of Sierra Vista, Karen Rosanne (Tom) Sayers of Sierra Vista and Sandra Beth (Dan) Crews of Tucson along with 9 grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday May 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Safford and will be broadcast live to the Sierra Vista United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel on Friday evening from 6-8 pm. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery. In the spirit of Mike's immeasurable generosity, in lieu of flowers we ask donations be made to the Michael E. Schade Memorial Fund At National Bank of Arizona - 1160 E Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista AZ 85635, Account #0365008224. Funds will be disbursed throughout Mike's community.