Lyn Place Schuette

Lyn Place Schuette was born on January 22, 1945 to Ellen (Place) and Milton Schuette. His birth announcement welcomed him as “The Champ”, a title he wore well throughout his life.

He often shared stories growing up as an only child in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - tapping maple trees, water skiing, raising family horses, and occasionally sneaking a joy ride in his parents’ car, once taking a side of the garage with him.

After attending college at UW-Oshkosh for business, he served in the Army National Guard of Wisconsin for six years before joining the family business, W.B. Place, as its fifth generation leader.

Lyn had a deep passion for sailing and was always on the hunt for crew, which is how he met Mary Shippy. They married on a Wednesday, April 11, 1973, with him wearing a checkered suit – a questionable choice, but it worked, as they stayed married for 53 years.

As a competitive sailor, he was well decorated including a first place finish in the 1995 Queen’s Cup. He was an active member of the Pike Lake Yacht Club since its founding, a lifelong passion sparked at an early age when he watched sailboats from the shoreline of Pike Lake and knew he wanted to be out there himself. A memorial bench will be installed in Lyn’s honor in the Kettle Moraine State Forest facing Pike Lake, in hopes of inspiring future generations.

Lyn was an accomplished leader. He led as Rotary President. He served on the Hartford Historic Preservation Committee. He helped launch the Pike Lake Protection District. He owned and operated the W.B. Place tannery for many years until he sold it, bringing to a close generations of family ownership since its founding in 1866.

After retiring, he split time between Hartford, WI and Saint James City, FL, where he kayaked, sailed, and enjoyed overnight boating adventures with friends and family. In his final years, he could often be found playing with his grandkids, going to the movies, spending time with his pets, boating, and, of course, enjoying rare steak and turtle sundaes.

Lyn passed away on July 5, 2026, at home and surrounded by family.

Lyn is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary, his sons, Max (Christy) and Peter (Lauren), and his five grandchildren: Arlo, Quinn, Keaton, Harrison and Bennett. His family will work every day to make the champ proud, because no one can take the place of a Place.

Lyn clearly lived his life to the fullest. He was a president, a sailor, a loving husband, an incredible father, and a playful grandpa. After a lifetime spent chasing the wind and charting his own course, Lyn has reached safe harbor.

A celebration of life for Lyn will be held at the Schauer Arts Center in Hartford from 11am-2pm on Saturday, August 8th.

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