----Source: Thorp Courier (Clark County) January 13, 1999

Schmidt, George (1909 - 1999)

George Fred Schmidt, 90, Thorp, died Monday, January 11, 1999 at Victory Medical Center, Stanley.

George was born August 3, 1909 in Thorp to Charles and Mary (Buss) Schmidt. He was a 1928 graduate of Thorp High School, celebrating his 70th class reunion last summer. He married Eleanor Schmidt on June 1, 1937, having an all Schmidt wedding, being both were Schmidt's.

He was captain of the high school basketball team for 4 years in track ran the mile at the State tournament (if he would have lived another 10 years, he would have won that race). He played baseball on the high school and city team, bowled with Eleanor on a couples league, shot pool on pool league for several years. He farmed for 31 years in the Town of Reseburg. After giving up farming, he put all his energy into his garden in town.

As a kid, George and Charlie would walk a cow to town and milk it behind the restaurant for their mother for fresh milk for the restaurant. George was always full of jokes and tricks especially for the grandchildren.

George and Eleanor spent their retirement years traveling all over the US with friends and relatives, camping their way across America. They helped start the Swinging 8's Square Dance Club and danced for about 10 years.

Surviving are his wife Eleanor Schmidt of Thorp, four children: Luanne (Tom) Lukowski of Slinger, WI Gordon (Cindy) Schmidt of Thorp, WI, Harold (Diane) Schmidt of Fairbault, MN, Luellyn (Rich) Wickershiem of Hubertus, WI one sister Gladys (Ray deceased) Heiman of Milwaukee 11 Grandchildren, and 13 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Buss Schmidt Beller, father Charles Schmidt, Step-father Edward Beller, brother Charlie and wife Juanita Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 15, 1999 at St. Bernard's-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, Thorp with Father John Puerner officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 14 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Thorp Funeral Home.