Willi G. Schakat

Willi G. Schakat passed into glory at his home on February 6, 2026. He was born on April 16, 1937 in Stonischken, East Prussia. He was 88.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Audrey Metz Schakat, and his sons Timothy (Amy) Schakat, Thomas (Patty) Schakat, and William (Beth) Schakat.

Willi also enjoyed his seven grandchildren: Jacob (Brooke) Schakat, Joseph Schakat, Annie McIntosh (Travis), Ben, Noah, Will, and Emmi Schakat. He was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Lilli, Winnie, Eva, Rexford, and Nellie. He is also survived by his sister, Gerda (Juergen) Braunheim, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Willi was a refugee during World War 2, fleeing his home at the age of 6, in 1944, and traveling across the countryside for the next 2 ½ years. His mother had died in 1941, and his father had been drafted earlier into the war effort. After the war, Willi's father reunited with his family who was housed in a refugee camp in Denmark. They returned to settle in the Mosel River valley of Germany, in the town of Ernst. From age 16-19, Willi took up a farming apprenticeship until the opportunity to come to America presented itself in 1956. He arrived in New York City along with his sister Gerda in December, and took the train to live with relatives in Cincinnati. He began his first job at Cincinnati Milling Machine Company from 1956-1959. In 1958, after learning the Bible with a German-speaking youth group, Willi surrendered to Jesus as his Savior. In 1960, he felt led to attend the Nyack Missionary College in New York to begin Bible training, lasting three years. He received his high school diploma from night school, and became an American citizen at this time.

During his working career, Willi was a machinist, boiler operator and a journeyman pipefitter. He returned to Cincinnati with his family in 1976 and eventually spent 27 years with the Fred DeBra Co. (later Four Seasons), at the NIOSH building in Mt. Lookout, retiring in 2005. He was an amazing handyman who taught himself plumbing, electrical, automotive and many other skills.

However, he will always be known for the greatest passion in his life, his ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Out of his sense of forgiveness and gratitude flowed a love for people and a joy about his daily life. His smile was infectious and his sweetness was recognized by everyone. He knew no strangers! He saw everyone as a traveler like him, just passing through on the way to eternity to the home God had prepared for those who love Him. He chronicled this journey in a book he published in 2014, "A Home to Call My Own". He loved to study the Bible and read the hymnbook devotionally. He began teaching Sunday school in 1960, and as a member of Calvary Alliance Church, he taught Sunday school for 30 more years. He was also a deacon, Board member, and faithful participant, leading the men's breakfast for 37 years.

All who came to know Willi grew to love him and his smile, for he loved them too and desired that they would find peace and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ as he had done.

A celebration of life service will occur on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Calvary Alliance Church, 986 Nordyke Rd. Cincinnati, OH. A visitation will begin from 10:00-12:00 pm, followed by the service at 12:00 pm. A fellowship meal will be served following the service, and the internment will be a private family gathering later.

Memorials may be directed to the Calvary Alliance Church for their ministry.