Obit: Schmitz, Leroy C. (1931 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schmitz, Brice, Kopf, Bauer, Meacham, Trachte, Gorton, Tesmer

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 23 Apr 2015

Schmitz, Leroy C. (10 SEP 1931 – 15 APR 2015)

Leroy C. Schmitz, 83, Greenwood, formerly of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at his home, after a short and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 18, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Loyal. Rev. Steve Brice officiated. Burial will take place in St. Stephen's Catholic Cemetery, Chili, at a later date.

Leroy Clarence Schmitz was born on Sept. 10, 1931, in the town of Fremont, Clark County, to William and Adelia (nee Kopf) Schmitz. He was raised on the family farm, received his education at Heathville Country School, and graduated from Loyal High School in 1949. After high school, Leroy worked at Barr Minkery before joining the Wisconsin National Guards. He married Audrey Mae Bauer on Aug. 30, 1954, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stratford. He took over the operation of the family farm in 1954 and farmed until 1980. They moved to the Stone Lake/Spirit area where they owned and operated L&A Resort until retiring in 1986 and moving to Rib Lake. After the death of his wife, Audrey, on Aug. 10, 1995, he continued to live in Rib Lake until moving to Greenwood in 2012. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Lion's Club, Chili Sportsman's Club, and the National Farmers' Organization, in which he was very active and held various offices. Leroy had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing, hunting, his trips to Canada, gardening, playing cards and cribbage, and watching most all sports.

He will be dearly missed by his eight children, Janet Meacham, Greenwood, Randall (Kathy) Schmitz, Loyal, Rodney Schmitz, Loyal, Julie (Allan) Trachte, Rhinelander, Rick Schmitz, Rib Lake, and the triplets, Peter Schmitz, Rib Lake, Paul (Bonnie) Schmitz, Ayton, Ontario, Canada, and Patti (Karri Gorton) Schmitz, Tomahawk; 12 grandchildren, Jenny Lee, Chanda, Kristie, Rory, Shena, Joe, Kelly, Heather, Kelsi, Taylor, Tyler and Cody; four step-grandchildren, Ryan, Brock, Dustin and Kailey; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Marlin "Coon" (Virginia) Schmitz, Granton, and Gary Schmitz, Spencer; his special nephew, Steve Schmitz, Taft, Calif.; and other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey; one sister, Shirley Tesmer; and one brother, Russell "Bud" Schmitz.

Leroy's family would like to thank the staff at Ministry Home Care Hospice for their generous compassion, concern and care during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, assisted the family with arrangements.