Earl Dean Schade of Lake View, IA, passed away at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA, on Saturday June 28, 2025, after a long illness at home. He was surrounded by his family including his loving sister Melissa who cared for him during his illness.
Earl was born on February 6, 1960, to parents Darrell Dean Dettman and his wife Barbara. He was the oldest of four children. Darrell, Earl’s father, and Earl’s Aunt Shirley Ann were both killed in a traffic accident when the truck they were in overturned. Earl was just six years old when he lost his father. His mother Barbara later remarried Norman Schade who adopted Earl.
Earl lived on a farm outside of Sac City growing up with his brother Troy, and two sisters Ronda and Melissa. Earl attended school in Sac City with the class of 1978.
He enjoyed riding minibikes, wrecking them, fixing them, and then doing it all over again. His Uncle Dale took him on his first boat ride on Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, IA, and at just thirteen, Earl took his father's car for a spin on the farm. That was his first driving experience…he was always adventurous. Earl also loved spending time with his Uncle Danny who he was especially close to
Earl lived in Sioux City, IA. It was in Sioux City that he met his wife and they were blessed with their sons, James and Bobby. During this time, Earl became an absolute hero to his neighbors who had two small boys, Wesley and Dusty, who were playing with matches by flammable materials in their living room. The house was quickly engulfed in flames. Earl pulled himself up seven feet to a high kitchen window on the east side of the home and quickly pulled six-year-old Wesley out of the window to safety. He then pulled three-year-old Dusty to the window ledge before sliding off the side of the house himself. Another neighbor leaped to the rescue by pulling Dusty to safety. It was something Earl never forgot.
Earl moved to Arkansas where he would later marry his Scerie. They raised James and Bobby together. Earl enjoyed raising his sons and guiding them until they were adults. Many fond memories were made. James became a father to four children and Bobby, two. Earl loved all of them dearly. He spent a lot of time with them, always having fun as he introduced them to countless things such as camping, cookouts, playing ball, and Earl always loved a game of horseshoes.
Earl had a dog named D.O.G. who was always at his side watching TV shows, eating lunch, or a snack at home, usually followed with a ride in the truck. Where Earl went, D.O.G. went.
Earl was preceded in death by his mother Barbara; his Father Darrell Dean Dettman; also his grandparents of Lytton, IA.
Earl is survived by his sons, James Schade of Okoboji, IA, and Bobby Schade of Ida Grove, IA; brother Troy Schade of Reinerd, IA; sisters Ronda Behon of Livermore, IA, and Melissa Beyerink of Lytton, IA; six grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
