Richard A. Schmidt, age 77, of Beaver Dam, died on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Hillside Manor after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for many years.
The visitation will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church on Friday at 11:20 a.m. with Fr. Michael Erwin officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery in Beaver Dam.
Richard Alois Schmidt was born on April 17, 1939 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Alois and Lucille (Kumba) Schmidt. He was a 1958 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. He was a lifelong member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish; originally a member of St. Michaels. Richard was very active in his parish church. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. Richard helped with the Fall Festival each year and was the Chairman of the Archbishop’s Fund Appeal for 20 years. He ushered many years at Mass and was the secretary and treasurer for several years with the Holy Name Society. Richard worked as a press operator for 43 years at Masterprint and his vacations were often spent traveling to Canada on fishing excursions. Richard enjoyed working with his lifelong friend, Neal Perschke, customizing and painting corvettes and boats.
Survivors are his sisters and brother: Sr. Rita Schmidt, SSJ-TOSF, of Stevens Point; Norman Schmidt of St. George, UT; Lorraine (Walter) Spencer of Neillsville; and Jeannine (David) Schmidt of Appleton; sister-in-law, Janice Schmidt and step sister-in-law, Carol Scheel, both of Beaver Dam. Twelve nieces and nephews: Justin (Christiana) Schmidt of Beaver Dam; Jayson Schmidt of Beaver Dam; Jennifer Spencer of West Allis; Theresa (Nick) Putnam of Coldwater, MI; Angela (Jason) Luchterhand of Neillsville; Stephanie (Craig) Heck of Greenwood; Mark (Morgan) Spencer of Neillsville; Wendy (Josh) Polzin of Neillsville; Elizabeth (Ben) Hansen of Salina, KS, Katherine (Brandon) Erkkila of Appleton; Pamela Schmidt of Appleton; and Daniel Schmidt of Fort Rucker, AL; a step-niece, Brigette Scheel, and step-nephew, David Scheel, of California. Fourteen great nieces and great nephews: Kelly and Katelynn; Eleanor and Hailey, Abigail and Alivia, Kalvin and Sophie, Emma, Brooke and Bennett, and Braxtyn; Addison and Mason; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Wilmar Scheel; his brother, Gerald Schmidt; and step-brother, Jerald Scheel.
If desired, memorials may be made in Richard A. Schmidt’s name to St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 408 South University Avenue, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, 53916.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com
