Obit: Schmidt, Richard W. (1937 - 2005)

Contact: Audrey Roedel

Surnames: SCHMIDT HARTMAN DEGENHARDT WALTERS SPICE BRANDOSNISIO

----Sources: Loyal TRG 09 November 2005

Schmidt, Richard W. (5 DEC 1937 - 27 OCT 2005)

Richard Walter Schmidt, 67, Waukesha, went home to his heavenly Father on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, with his family by his side at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. A funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at St. William Catholic Church, Waukesha. The Rev. Leonard Barian officiated. Entombment was in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Waukesha, with presentation of full military honors.

Richard Walter Schmidt was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 5, 1937, to Frank and Gladys (nee Hartman) Schmidt. He married Nancy Degenhardt on June 8, 1963. He was employed for 32 years for American Motors/Chrysler Corp., and also worked for Builders World Inc., from 1988-2002. He served in the U. S. Navy, Naval Reserves RMCB-25 Sea Bees, and retired after 25 years of dedicated service. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 75 of Milwaukee and Lodge 34 IAM of Kenosha. He was a member and an usher at the 10:45 a.m. Mass at St. William Catholic Church, Waukesha. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Nancy. He was meticulous about his yard work and his tomato garden. His woodworking craftsmanship was impeccable. He had a great interest in history, documentaries and loved movies. He had a tremendous sweet tooth for chocolate and candy. He was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed being involved in their lives.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 42 years, Nancy, Waukesha. He is the loving father of Rodney (Sue) Schmidt, Mukwonago, and Angela (Pat) Walters, Hartland; and devoted grandfather of Grant and Sarah Schmidt, and Noah, Caleb, Elijah, Simon and Jonah Walters. He is further survived by two sisters, Joyce (Jack) Spice, Green Bay, and Mary Ann (Wayne) Brandonisio, Milwaukee; four brothers, Frank (Ruth) Schmidt, Green Bay, Gerald (Carol) Schmidt, Lee Lake, Robert (Roxy) Schmidt, Milwaukee, and Roger (Joan) Schmidt, Florida, and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and a sister, Elizabeth.

Memorials are appreciated to the family for Masses to be said in his honor.

Cesarz, Charapata and Zinnecker Funeral Home, Waukesha, assisted the family with arrangements.