Waltraud Esmet (Kirschke) Scham

Waltraud E. Scham 87, of Lake Geneva area died at her home on November 13, 2024.

She was born January 28th 1937 in Bunzlau Schlesien, Germany to the late Ernst Kirschke and Elisabeth Kirschke (Plache). Waltraud was the second born of four siblings including the late Viktor Kirschke, Brigitte Richter and Sybille Gariepy.

Waltraud was trained in photography and employed by a photo company before she met her late husband, Karl Scham , in Germany as pen pals.

On March 14,1958 Karl and Waltraud were married in Germany. Karl was serving in the U.S. Army and was based in Stuttgart Germany where they lived and had their first daughter, Tordis Gehrlein.

In June of 1959 the three arrived in the United States and bought a farmhouse in Barrington, Illinois. Waltraud came to America not knowing the language and was a mother with a 6-month old baby girl. She taught herself English, as she assimilated into the new culture.

After being in the States for seven years Waltraud and Karl started their electrical business and were also blessed with their second child, Ursula Botsch.

In 1975 they sold the electrical business and moved up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, purchasing the Godfrey Motel on Wells Street which they renamed The Ambassador Motel. Karl and Waltraud also built Paradise Golf Park on Wells Street. The miniature golf course is still open and has been run by the family for thirty-six years.

Waltraud served as a member of the Lioness Club of Lake Geneva and as a member of the women’s group Vantage Point. Waltraud enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting for family and friends.

Waltraud is survived by her 2 daughters Tordis (Manfred) Gehrlein and Ursula (Johann) Botsch, her 4 grandchildren Siegfried and Thomas Gehrlein, Johann and Gretel Botsch and her 2 sisters Brigitte Richter and Sybille Gariepy of Illinois

We will be having a private family celebration of her life at a later date.

To post an online condolence please click the "Share a Memory" box on the left side of your screen.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you make a donation in Waltraud's name to the Lake Geneva Fire Department or plant a tree in her honor.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Scham family.

Lake Geneva Fire Department
730 Marshall Street, Lake Geneva WI 53147
Tel: 1-262-248-7228