Dennis John Schmidt, age 73, of Redgranite, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh with his loving family by his side.
Dennis was born April 29, 1939 in Gillett, WI. He was the son of Raymond and Catherine Thibedeau Schmidt. He was a 1957 graduate of Gillett High School. Dennis served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 - 1960. On July 18, 1981, he was united in marriage to Sharon Van Marter in Menasha.
He was employed at Albany International Corp. (Weaver paper company) in Neenah and was a Boy Scout Master for many years.
Dennis was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, serving on the Council, church choir, helping at the Food Pantry, and as a Fundraiser Coordinator.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Marie; five children, Chad (Stacey) Arndt of Greenville, Melissa Hildebrand (Jason Vanden Plas) of Neenah, Brooke Schmidt (fiancé Bob Preisler) of Menasha, Eric (Hope) Schmidt of Gillett, and Jeffrey (Jenny) Schmidt of Oconto Falls; five grandchildren, Ashley & Austin Hildebrand, Jordan Vanden Plas, Izabel Schmidt, and Emily Preisler; one brother, William (Joann) Schmidt of Green Bay; one sister, Cindy (Gary) Rowen of Green Bay; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, Gary (Janet) Van Marter, and Larry (Mary) Van Marter. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Myrtle Van Marter; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Van Marter.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, the Rev. David Sielaff officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be on Tuesday, July 10 at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton. Friends may meet at 10:00 a.m. at the cemetery chapel where military honors will be performed, followed by an hour of visitation and the committal services.
Den, thank you for being a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. You truly are the love of my life and have always been my best friend. I will love and miss you always. Till we meet again, Sharon.
Dad, we remember all of the times you made us laugh when we were sad, encouraged us when we needed support and took care of us when we were sick. Thank you for sharing your life with us and guiding us into the people we have become. People you will always be able to look down upon and be proud of. With unconditional love, we will miss you always. We love you now and forever, Chad, Missy, and Brooke.
To the staff on 5th floor-Doctors, nurses, PT, and OT, thank you all for your compassion and wonderful care you gave to Dennis. You will all be cherished and remembered always. Sharon and family.
TO THOSE I LOVE
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown but now it’s time I traveled on alone. So grieve awhile for if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile, and say, “Welcome Home!”
Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com