Obituary

JANESVILLE—John Patrick “Pat” Schmidt, age 72 of Ankeny, IA, died Friday, June 10, 2011 at HospiceCare Inc. in Madison, WI. He was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI, on July 6, 1938, the son of Ottmar and Marion (Pfeifer) Schmidt. Pat attended Silverdale Grade School and graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1956 where he enjoyed track and football. He entered the US Army with Jerry Grassel through the buddy system and served in the Army Security Agency from 1956 – 1959. He was honored as an expert marksman and was stationed in Germany from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1959. Upon his return home, he farmed with his father and brother, Bill until 1983. In 1975, he attended Graham School for extensive dairy training. After farming, Pat served as a private consultant for 10 years with AgriEnergy resources in Princeton, IL, and was a radionics instructor for hundreds of students from 1984 until the present time.

Pat enjoyed taking pictures of silos, flowers, antique farm equipment, and family members. Other hobbies included flower gardening and hunting. He was a proud Green Bay Packer fan and even held stock in the team. Pat continued a forty year family tradition of working as a volunteer at the Holy Name Retreat House, Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, and served as its Secretary of the Board. Other farm accomplishments include his work as Secretary of the Board for the Door County Farm Bureau, Outstanding Young Dairy Farmer Award through Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative, and Champion Tractor Puller in the heavyweight class at the Door County Fair.

Pat is survived by his wife, Dr. Kathy Wurster Schmidt; children: Marlene Schmidt, Mimi (Ross) Freeman, Paul (Donna), Linda (Steve) Frader, Jim (Shelley), and Carol (Marc) Tadych. Pat frequently spoke with much pride about his grandchildren: Alexis, Brad, Jessica, Danny, Emily, Kailee, Nicole, Tyler, Heather, and Erin. He is survived by his siblings: Jean (William) Olsen, Bill (Regina), Bob (Dianne), Jim (Helen), Marge (Mark) Massart, Joann (Neil) McCarty, Mary (Ronald) Wallenfang, Eileen (Richard) Grenke, Lynn (Nancy), Joe (Mary), and Paula (Charles) Lund.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Patrick Jr.; brother Ottmar Schmidt Jr.; brother-in-law, Neil McCarty; and ex-spouse, Kathryn Schmidt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Holy Name Retreat House, PO Box 23825, Green Bay, WI 54305-3825.