Holly MatkinMilwaukee, WI – New Holstein Police Department (NHPD) Officer Macullen Schnell died on Christmas Day after a nearly two-year battle against lymphoma.
The 23-year-old officer passed away at Froedtert Hospital with his family by his side, according to his obituary.
After being diagnosed with cancer in January of 2020, Officer Schnell remained upbeat and committed to serving his community and his family, WGBA reported.
“[He] just always had a smile on his face, happy-go-lucky,” New Holstein Mayor Jeff Hebl told the news outlet. “[He was] real calm, collected. He did anything you asked him to do. Just a good overall kid, the kind of kid you’d want your daughter to marry.”
Several weeks prior to his death, Officer Schnell unexpectedly cancelled a doctor’s appointment in order to help out with the holiday Shop with a Cop event with his fellow NHPD officers, WGBA reported.
“I showed up at Walmart, and he was there waiting for us,” NHPD Officer Charles Schroeder said.
Officer Schnell was also anxiously awaiting the birth of his nephew, who is due in May of 2022, WGBA reported.
“After he found out that I was pregnant, even though he was sitting in the hospital and I wanted to know how he was doing and what the doctor said, he didn’t really care about that,” recalled his sister, Mikayla Alvarez.
“He kind of pushed that off and said ‘well, how’s the baby?’” Alvarez told WGBA. “He was so proud that he was gonna be an uncle.”
After graduating from high school with honors in 2016, Officer Schnell attended Lakeshore Technical College and obtained an associate’s degree in criminal justice, according to his obituary.
He simultaneously completed the police academy.
Officer Schnell joined the NHPD as a part-time officer in 2018 and went on to become one of the department’s police cadet program advisors, according to his obituary.
NHPD Chief Eric Fisher said the young officer was “not only a great officer,” but that he was also a great human being.
“Macullen will never be forgotten as he will always be a member of our family,” Chief Fisher said in a Facebook post Dec. 26. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting this great young man. Please pray for the family and those who knew Macullen…We will miss him deeply.”
In addition to his sister, Officer Schnell leaves behind his parents, Mike and Mardell, as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and many special friends, according to his obituary.
He will be laid to rest Jan. 8.
Don't forget about the Booster Club Benefit for KHS Alum Macullen Schnell at tomorrow night's football game!
Lots of great raffle prizes!!#RaiderPride pic.twitter.com/MvfR7di3cY— Kiel High School (@KielHSRaiders) September 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New Holstein Police Department Officer Macullen Schnell, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
