Billie "Lorraine" (Courier) Schalla

Billie Lorraine Schalla (nee Courier), 95, of West Bend, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Kathy Hospice, West Bend.

She was born on September 25, 1928, to the late Wilfred and Thelma (Foster) Courier in Kentucky. On February 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to Gordon Schalla at North Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee. Billie was a lifelong educator, teaching generations of children. She had a passion for teaching and educating which was felt by all, and was a part of everything she did in life.

In addition to her life-long work in education, Billie was a member of West Bend Beautification Committee (now known as Roots and Branches), Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Red Hat Ladies. She was an avid gardener, tennis player, and world traveler, visiting six of the seven continents. She was a long-time volunteer at Albrecht Free Clinic, office volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, and went on numerous mission trips with Crossroads Presbyterian Church. Billie especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Those Billie leaves behind to cherish her memory include her three children, Garry Schalla of Bayfield, WI, Larry (Susan) Schalla of West Bend, WI, and Douglas (Barbara) Schalla of West Bend, WI; five grandchildren, Steven (Annette) Schalla of Hammond, WI, Michael (Hannah) Schalla of Cedarburg, WI, Emily Schalla of Allenton, WI, Jennifer (Jeremy) Custer of Chicago, IL, and Gregory (Avery) Schalla of Rochester, MN; six great-grandchildren, Katelyn Schalla, Abigail Schalla, Matthew Schalla, Charlie Schalla, Henry Custer, and Edward Custer; a sister, Carol Bruder-Hoekstra; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Schalla; infant daughter, Lynda Schalla; sister, Joan (Bob) Wiley; parents-in-law, Joseph and Myrtle Schalla; and brother-in-law, Robert Schalla.

SERVICE: A memorial service celebrating Billie's life will be held at Crossroads Presbyterian Church (6031 W Chapel Hill Rd, Mequon, WI - 53097) on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Please join the family after the service for a small reception at the church.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Kathy Hospice for all their help and care.

Memorials to Crossroad Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice in Billie’s name are appreciated by the family.