Nathan A. Schmidt, age 20 of Appleton, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, after a courageous battle with HLH and lymphoma.

Nathan was born on April 22, 2006 in Neenah, the son of Kevin and Michele (Simonton) Schmidt. Nathan started his life with some health challenges which, even as a toddler, never seemed to overtake his spirit and sweet disposition. He attended Appleton Schools and graduated from Appleton West High School in 2024. Growing up he was involved in several activities but was proudest of earning his Black Belt in Karate after several years of participation.

Nathan’s true love was being outdoors including many summer weekends camping with his parents and visiting his grandparents at their cabin. Born on Earth Day, he found his passion in working with plants and was one semester away from completing his Associates Degree in Landscape, Horticulture, and Greenhouse Management from Fox Valley Technical College.

When asked what words best describe Nathan, those most frequently used by family and friends include kind, helpful, caring and supportive. He had a big heart and wanted the people around him to be happy. He was blessed with a circle of good friends and will be missed for not only his willingness to help anyone who needed it, but also for his sharp wit and dry sense of humor.

Nathan is survived by his parents, Kevin and Michele Schmidt; maternal grandparents, Dwight and Frances Simonton; paternal grandmother, Karen Schmidt; aunts and uncle, Stephanie Giacomini and Kenneth (Jean) Schmidt; first cousins, Clara and Karly Giacomini and Brandon Schmidt; and other extended cousins and close friends.

Nathan was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Donald Schmidt and an uncle, Karl Giacomini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, N2385 Municipal Dr., Greenville. Visitation for Nathan will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha from 4PM – 7PM (with a concluding prayer at 7PM), and again on Thursday at the church from 10AM until the time of the Mass. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Mary Cemetery, Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, Nathan’s family asks that you honor him by planting something at your home or other favorite location. Remember Nathan by watching it grow and leaving the Earth a better place, just as Nathan did.