Robert W. Schmidt, Sr.

Bob Schmidt, age 79, passed into the arms of his waiting Lord on Thursday evening, February 28, 2013. Bob was born in the town of Center of June 17, 1933, son of the late Arthur and Hilda (Tiedt) Schmidt. Bob married the former Lorraine Stephan on February 20, 1957 in Black Creek; Lorraine preceded him in death in 2009.

Bob was a lifelong farmer who claimed that he never really worked a day in his life. His family attended St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Stephensville, but in more recent years was very active at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church near Appleton. In addition to his farm life, Bob loved car races, John Deeres, and his “crazy dog” Reese. More than anything, Bob was a devoted Christian husband and father whose family meant more to him than anything.

Bob is survived by his six loving children: Robert (Karen) Schmidt, Jr. of Black Creek; Robin (Randy) Ashman of Seymour; Rhonda (Scott) Mahnke of Appleton; Shelly (Bill) Henn of Appleton; Ryan (Bobbie Jo) Schmidt of Hortonville; and Gina (Travis) Van Straten of Hortonville; twenty grandchildren: Sara (Chad) Scheibe, Andy (Melissa) Schmidt, Laura Schmidt, Casey Ashman, Calvin (Angie) Ashman, Katrina (Troy) Smith, Kyle Ashman, Tricia Mahnke (fiancé Dillon); David Mahnke; Carter Mahnke, Chelsey Henn (fiancé Zach), Stephanie Henn, Tiffany Henn, Whitney Henn, Willie Henn, Dylan Schmidt, Avery Schmidt, Bralynn Schmidt, Trevor Van Straten, and Trey Van Straten; four great-grandchildren: Calli and Logan Scheibe and Mason and Grant Schmidt.

Other survivors include two brothers: Don (Judy) Schmidt of Appleton and Ralph (Donna) Schmidt of Black Creek; two sisters: Audrey Flunker of Appleton and Judy (Milton) Pelky of Hortonville; three sisters-in-law: Deloris Schmidt of Shiocton, Elaine Schmidt of Appleton, and Deloris Chizek of Black Creek; a brother-in-law: Tom (Pat) Stephan of Kingman, Arizona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives,and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, his parents, an infant daughter Rose Marie Schmidt, a grandson Lucas Schmidt, Lorraine's parents William and Florella Stephan, brothers: Ruben, Roger, and Jack; and brothers-in-law: Bob Flunker, Ed Chizek, Bill (Shirley) Stephan, and Don (Betsy) Stephan.

The Christian Funeral for Bob will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2013 at St. PETER EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, N2749 French Road in Appleton, with Rev. Tim Glende officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Tuesday afternoon at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Bob's memory is being established. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.