Kelly Jean Schoon

Kelly Jean Schoon (née Casassa), age 68, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Waukesha, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 14, 1958, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, Kelly was the cherished daughter of Albert and Marie (née Severine) Casassa. She graduated from high school in College Park, Maryland, and began her professional journey working at the White House during the Ford and Carter administrations.

On June 24, 1978, she married the love of her life, Duane Schoon, in College Park. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. While Duane served in the United States Navy, Kelly devoted herself to raising their children, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support.

When she returned to the workforce, Kelly found her true calling as a preschool teacher. She had a remarkable gift for working with children, making each child feel seen, valued, and loved. Her classroom was a place of joy, creativity, and belonging. Even after retirement, Kelly continued to share her time and heart by volunteering at church and local schools, always eager to nurture young lives.

Kelly was a light to all who knew her. She had a way of welcoming everyone with open arms, ensuring that no one ever felt like an outsider. Her deep faith guided her life, and she joyfully shared her love of Jesus through her words, her music, and the way she cared for others. Time spent with Kelly was a gift—no matter the circumstance, you always left feeling better than when you arrived.

She found great happiness in simple and meaningful moments—shopping trips with her children and granddaughters (especially to Hobby Lobby), crafting for hours with her Cricut, and creating memories on family vacations. She especially treasured annual trips to Walt Disney World to visit Tinkerbell and cherished time spent in the beauty of Hawaii.

Kelly is survived by her devoted husband, Duane Schoon; her children, Andrew (Sara), Dana (Bobby), and Erin (Creighton); and her beloved grandchildren, Nora, Kate, and Kennedy, who brought her endless joy. She is further survived by her brother, Jeffrey (Susan) Casassa; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives she touched.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1415 Dopp Street, Waukesha, WI 53188, from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service. Kelly will be laid to rest privately in the Ascension Lutheran Ash Garden following the service. Family and friends are invited to remain for a luncheon afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kelly’s name are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation.