Richard H. Schmidt, age 79, often referred to as “Rich”, “Dick” or “Wazoo”, of Northwoods Road in the Town of Saukville, died Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at his home after many years of ill health.
He was born on May 14, 1935 in West Bend, WI; son of Andrew Schmidt and Susan Schmidt. He graduated from West Bend High School, class of 1953. Dick helped out on the family farm just outside of West Bend.
On August 31, 1957, Dick married Patricia L. Arendt of the Town of Port Washington at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. They lived in West Bend for a short time. In 1961, the Schmidt’s built their home on Northwoods Road. Together they raised their four girls.
For almost 40 years, Dick worked for the Quik Mix Company, PCM, Koehring Corporation and Trak International until his retirement in 2004. He was the “Wazoo of the Shipping Department”. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union Local 1430 and an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
Dick is survived by his wife Patricia, his four daughters Christine (Robert) Morse, Colleen (the late Jeffrey) Burmesch, Kathleen (Terry) Hoffman, all of Port Washington and Caroline (Kenneth) Schreurs of Belgium; 6 grandchildren Chad, Matthew (Sonja) and Shawn (Dianna) Hoffman, Niles (Nicole), Drew and Maddison Schreurs; 5 great-grandchildren Austin, Mackena, Mason, Lincoln and Everly; his sister Rita (Patrick) Shanahan of Milwaukee; his three brothers Reverend Don Schmidt of Milwaukee, Gerald (Diane) Schmidt of West Bend and Paul (Yvonne) Schmidt of Charlotte, NC; two sisters-in-law Barbara Schmidt and Audrey (David) Bohn, both of West Bend, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is further preceded in death by his brother Eugene Schmidt.
His Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5PM Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington Street, Grafton, WI. His brother, Reverend Don Schmidt will be the celebrant. Family will receive friends in the parish Gathering Hall AFTER the mass.
Memorials to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, 5841 S. Maryland Ave. Code 4069, Chicago, IL 60637, St. Joseph Parish, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, WI 53024 or Columbia-St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Heritage Center, 2320 North Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211 are appreciated.
We were so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. He was a blessed man to be surrounded by his beautiful daughters and loving wife. He was quite a dancer and enjoyed a good time. Remember all the many memories you made together.
Pat,
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. It was always a pleasure and good times when you and Dick appeared at one of our performances. It made the night very enjoyable.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathies,
Bill Sackett
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, along with our deepest sympathy- We are so sorry to have learned this news-
Bill Schoknecht Family