Horst Hans Schaller

Horst Hans Schaller, age 91, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, April 11, 2026. He was born in Berlin, Germany, March 12, 1935, son of the late Henrich and Gerda (Nee: Sendzick) Schaller. Horst and his wife, Irmgard, immigrated to the United States, Green Bay, WI in 1961 and in 1963, moved to Racine, WI, which became his home. They later divorced. He proudly became an American Citizen on April 14, 1969.

Horst was also proud of his German Heritage, maintaining membership in several German Social Organizations; the Berliner Bears, German-American National Congress (DANK) for 45 years, Rheinischer Verein Milwaukee, Stammtisch Milwaukee, and Spielmannzug Drum, Bugle, and Fife Corp of Milwaukee, which he and Joanne Baker were Karnival Prinz and Prinzessin for the 2016-2017 season.

In addition to music, Horst also loved to drive his RV and attended many motorhome rallies, where he also participated in the musical scene. He was a proud member of the Midwest Noteables, Frustrated Maestos, serving as vice-president for 12 years.

Horst, a master baker, owned and operated Black Forest Bakery for many years before realizing his dream of opening his own music store, Horst’s Music. He had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the accordion and singing with his groups Lusitige Kamaraden, Zwei Freunde, and Horst’s Polka Band. He will be remembered for entertaining numerous German Club Parties, ethic festivals, senior citizen groups and local events. He will also be remembered for his generosity and encouragement to young musicians in their pursuit of their musical ambitions. Horst was a friend to many and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his son, Oliver (Dorothea) Schaller, Major, US Army (Retired); grandson, Nolan Schaller; his significant other, Joanne Baker; brothers, Guenter Schaller and Dieter (Monika) Schaller; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest brother Heinrich.

Funeral services will be held at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., Wednesday, April 22,2026, at 11:30 with visitation from 10:30 – 11: 30.

The service will be live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/meredithfuneralhome/

Memorials to the Disabled American Veterans and or St. Catherine’s High School Music Department have been suggested.

Special thanks to Compassus Hospice and Ascension Hospital doctors and nurses.

“Prost, Auf Wiedersehen, and Goodbye to everybody”