Mary Jo "Jodi" Schuenke

Mary Jo “Jodi” Schuenke, age 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 23, 2026. Born on September 9, 1954, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Jodi was the cherished daughter of Lloydand Lucy Schuenke (nee Cherek). She graduated from Waukesha High School and went on to pursue her passion for food and culture by attending culinary school at Waukesha County Technical College. Ever curious and adventurous, she also spent a semester studying abroad in Paris, an experience that deepened her lifelong love of travel. Jodi embraced life with warmth and enthusiasm. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed her time at the YMCA, and found joy in reading, playing cards, and knitting. Family and friends especially loved her chocolate chip cookies. Whether traveling near or far or spending quiet moments doing what she loved, Jodi approached each day with a gentle spirit and an open heart. She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Mardi Freeman, Mike (Jody) Schuenke, Sue (Dan) Trost, and Dan (Candie) Schuenke; her sister-in-law, Yolanda Schuenke; her step-siblings, Curt (Jackie) Rubringer, Wendy (Cliff) Gyles, Rick (Sandy) Rubringer, Deb (Rich) Wagner, Tim (Donna) Rubringer, and Jeff (Bonnie) Rubringer; as well as her many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were blessed to know her. Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Schuenke and Lucy Schuenke Rubringer, her stepfather, Curt Rubringer, and her brother, Brian Schuenke. Her kindness, laughter, and love will remain forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind. The visitation for Jodi will be held from February, 4, 2026 4:00 p.m. until the start of services at 5:00 p.m. at Cesarz Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. Memorials in honor of Jodi’s memory are appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Waukesha County YMCA.