Photo courtesy of HILDEBRAND - RUSS FUNERAL HOME - Rhinelander
Jul 5, 1957 - Jan 9, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Smith
January 22, 2026 | Rhinelander, WI | Friend
Rick was my younger brother.
Rick had a beautiful, generous, and sensitive heart. A beautiful story I will always cherish is that when our mother died of cancer at 68 ; Rick heard her voice say "I am with Jesus".
The last time I spoke with Rick was at one of our family celebrations. He was sick. I really respected the way he still was making plans for his future.
He was ambitious and was not afraid to step out and make life happen.
We were a watersking...
Suzanne Taylor
January 14, 2026 | Ypsilanti, MI | Sister
Norma sorry to hear about Rick's passing. He will be remembered as a decent hard working man.
Tom Olson
January 14, 2026 | Argonne, WI
Rick was a great worker and a great friend. I had the privilege of working with Rick for nearly 25 years and over that course of time getting to know the man was something I truly enjoyed as with men of integrity Rick’s word was how he operated. Many people that knew Rick only knew the working man when he had dreams of morning about Lake superior improving his land, and enjoying his life with this best friend/wife. so long old friend I will see you on the other side.
Mark Hazelquist
January 13, 2026 | Rhinelander, WI | Friend
I've known Rick for many years, we lived a quarter mile from each other, great guy I'm going to miss him, thank you for your service.
Richard Whitaker
January 13, 2026 | Friend
I ll miss rick new him for many years always gave me a break for him hauling my vehicles a great friend god blesss you rick
Don Bettiga
January 11, 2026 | Rhinelander, WI | Friend
Richard Edward Schmitz
"Rick"
July 5, 1957 ~ January 9, 2026
Age ~ 68
Richard "Rick" Edward Schmitz, 68, of the Town of Crescent, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Rick was born on July 5th, 1957 to Raymond J. Schmitz and Elizabeth (Schueller) Schmitz.
Rick graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1975. He joined the US Army in 1977 and was stationed in Fort Hood Texas and served his country until 1980. He came home to Rhinelander and shortly after met his future wife, Norma. They were married on April 17th, 1982. Rick and Norma were blessed with two children, Jennifer L. Schmitz and Kevin L. Schmitz.
Rick owned several businesses over the years, Rick’s Towing, Rick’s Crane Service, and Twin Lakes Trailer Sales. Of them all, his love was towing, and he started back up as “Big Tow” until his health made him retire.
Rick loved spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Norma, their children, Jennifer and Kevin. He is also survived by brothers, LeRoy, Ken (Mary), Mike (Jane), Raymond, Jim (Heide), Jerry (Tina), David (Cindy), sisters, Mary Bockenfeld, Sue (Dan Taylor), Phyllis (Rick Rollman), Rita (Bill Dobbins), sister-in-law, Patricia Biesik, and brother-in-law, Thomas Reinke. Rick is further survived by many, many, nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Patty.
The Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at the Northwoods National Cemetery located at 4520 Lakewood Road in Harshaw, Wisconsin. Please meet at the cemetery at 11:45 A.M.
A Celebration of Rick's Life will follow the cemetery service, with the location to be posted at a later time.
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