Obit: Schmidt, Donald J. (1935 – 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schmidt, Gebauer, Wichman, Aspeslet, Mielke, Tham

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 10/19/2012

Schmidt, Donald J. (2 JAN 1935 – 17 OCT 2012)

Donald James Schmidt, 77, of Marshfield passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at The House of the Dove in Marshfield surrounded by family after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Donald " Don ", the son of Andrew and Mary (Gebauer) Schmidt was born on January 2, 1935 in the town of Loyal, Clark County. He grew up on his parents' farm and attended the Spokeville County Grade School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1952.

Donald's life long career as an auto mechanic began working at Fisher Body Division General Motors in Janesville, WI. He then returned north to work for years at Thomas Auto Sales and Salvage in Loyal. In 1975, he started his own business, D.J. Service Auto Repair, in Edgar and retired in 2001.

Donald married Judith J. "Judy " Wichman (daughter of Orville and Edith Wichman ) of Loyal on July 28, 1962 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Loyal. They moved to Marshfield where they have resided since. Don and Judy recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July of 2012.

Donald was a child at heart with his hobbies. After a few years of flying an airplane, he turned to stock car racing in central Wisconsin from 1960 to 1973.

In the 1980s, Donald's passion for cars turned toward antique collector cars of the 1950s and 1960s. His favorites, which he meticulously refurbished, were two 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruisers (a Two Door Hard Top and a Four Door Hard Top). He frequented many car shows and enthusiastically attended the Iola Car Show every year through 2010 when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Donald is survived by his wife, Judy of Marshfield, his three daughters: Teresa (Jon) Aspeslet of Marshfield; Dawn (Jay) Mielke of Neenah, and Cherie Schmidt of Marshfield. He is also survived by Jason Tham, to whom Don was like a father.

Donald's grandchildren were a joyful blessing in his elder years. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Rachael, Kelly and Michelle Aspeslet; Alayna and Trevyn Tham, along with two step-grandchildren, Meghan and Marissa Mielke. Donald is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews along with other numerous other relatives.

Donald, the eldest, is further survived by his siblings: Jerome (Karen) Schmidt of Hartville, MO, Marie (Lawrence) Waldhauser of Fridley, MN; Dorothy Ertl of Marshfield; Andrew (Faye) Schmidt of Tomahawk; and Evelyn (John) Schultz of Spencer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Monday, October 22, 2012 at St. John's Catholic Church in Marshfield with Fr. Sam Martin officiating. Cindy Penker along with St. John's Funeral choir will provided the music for the service. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Loyal with military rites conducted by the American Legion from Loyal.

Visitations will be from 4-8pm Sunday at Rembs Funeral Home and again on Monday from 9:30am until service time at the church.

Through the years, Donald's personality and interests connected him with many people who became good friends. We thank all who provided Donald with smiles, visits and communication to uplift his spirits in his final days. We appreciate the wonderful care at The Marshfield Care Center their staff provided during his stay there. We are thankful for existence of The House of the Dove and its comfortable atmosphere and caring staff who provided excellent care for Donald which allowed his family to spend more personal time with him.