To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jennifer Witzel/Lebakken (Craig's Sister)
December 30, 2005
Bev, Brendan, and Baby Schmitt:
I knew Craig since I was twelve years old. When I met him, Grandma was of course dating my Dad (Richard Lebakken). Craig and I were close in age and hung around the same group of people. He dated some of my friends, and I dated some of his. Craig was a special older brother to me because while growing up you see, he watched out for his little sister in High School and made sure I didn't get into too much trouble while attending the same parties. Craig and I drifted apart when we both gradutated from High School, he going one way with his career and friends and myself with mine, but we always got a kick out of one another though when we came home to Grandma and Grandpas for the Holidays. We loved to sit around the dinner table and make wise cracks about our family. We would always try to out do one another and Craig would usually win because he was so quick witted. Craig had this energy about him that was truly amazing, so I wasn't too surprised that he would always win with the best wise crack of the night. This is truly the biggest trait of Craig's that I will miss, and the fact that there was some good old healthy competition between brother and sister of "one-uping" eachother. I am not too sure how many family members recognized our ongoing battle, but it was fun. Bev, you truly were a wonderful wife to Craig, and you made him so happy in the years you spent with him. I just wanted to write a little something in the guest book so that when Brendan and baby Schmitt get older, they will understand that in addition to being a wonderful Husband and Father, he was a wonderful brother as well.
Kristi Hillmann
December 21, 2005
Bev, brendan, and baby schmitt-
I have known chip since he was this little white haired boy running all over the place. And boy did he run around, he had the energy of about 5 little boys. No one ever seemed to care how energetic he was, with just a flash of that great big smile, we forgot about it all. I can see that great smile in brendan and I'm sure this second child will be blessed with chips great smile as well. He sure did enjoy being a father. And bev he truly loved having you for his wife. You could see it in his eyes every time he talked about you. And bev I hope you know you are a great mother, your kids will be so proud of you some day. And always know chip is watching over all of you and will do what he can now to protect you. I truly am glad I knew chip.
Kris (Zwieg) Nigro
December 17, 2005
I have not seen Craig in a while, but his smile was unforgetable. He had a very special gift of making others smile too. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers. God bless. (Richfield-Class of 1988, Hartford- Class of 1992).
Jenny Bleimehl
December 16, 2005
Bev & everyone who knows & loves Chip,
Chip worked hard at everything he did. It was evident that he had his priorities in line during his time with us here. He provided everything he possibly could to his family and friends. He constantly gave his all. Chip knew exactly how to make each and every person he met feel comfortable. His smile is contagious and he knows how to light up any room. During every conversation Chip was involved in, he gave his sincere and undivided attention. He was an amazing father to Brendan. He brought such peace, comfort, happiness, security, and love to his wife Bev. His talents were endless. He knew how to help others and I believe now is that angel, watching over every life he has touched. We will miss Chip dearly. In March, when his 2nd child is born, she or he will have a lifetime of opportunities to learn about their father through the endless lives he has touched. Brendan, his 2 1/2 year old, will also take pieces of Chip as he grows. He already has Chip's social skills, sense of humor, zest for life, love for Beverly, and contagious smile. Even though this is the saddest situation I have ever experienced, I know in my heart Bev will find a way to get through this. She has so much strength within. She is an excellent mother, and has been since the day Brendan was born. Chip loved Bev for many reasons. I believe that he died in peace because his children are with the best MOMMA they could have ever asked for.
Jeremy lentz
December 15, 2005
Dear Bev and family,
Sorry to hear about Craig.We know where he is. Some day we will be able to see him again. I will be praying for you. Craig and I use to play baseball together in richfield when we we're growing up in grade school. I then moved to Georgia and have been back in Wisconsin for over seven years. I helped Craig with his stain and polyurethane questions for Bruce and his side job of finishing wood for a taxidermy. He will surely be missed. May God Bless you and keep you. Take care.
In God's Love,
Jeremy Lentz
brent madden
December 15, 2005
brian,nikki,dale, i stopped by the funeral home today. i still cant believe it. my deepest prayers goes out to all of you guys and craigs family. if there is anything i can do please call. brent madden and family
Rani Farago
December 15, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Bev, your beautiful little boy and the baby on the way. It was such a pleasure to know Chip – the amazing person that he was. Amazing is a word that sums up every great characteristic Chip had, he had every good trait a person could ask for. You and your family now have one of the most precious angels in heaven to look over you and guide you through each day! My thoughts, prayers and love go out to you and all of your family.
Chris Ketter
December 15, 2005
Nikki and Dale,
My sympathy goes out to you and all of Craig's loved ones. Craig will always be a special friend to all who knew him. (I was the secretary at Craig's grade school and worked with both of you at F&H - my prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Chris (xGlorioso)
bobby klink
December 15, 2005
Brian, I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. my thoughts and prayers are with you through this loss.
Steve Toepfer
December 15, 2005
Nikki,Dale and Brian-
I am sorry to hear about Craig (Paster). I wish you strength.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, his family, your families and all his friends.
Steve & Jodi Toepfer Family
Matt Stephan
December 15, 2005
I haven't seen Craig in a few years but I never forgot the good times we had. Whenever Craig was around it was a good time. He always had a smile and was a good friend. Having 2 boys myself I was deeply saddened to think of his kids missing their dad and Craig not seeing his kids grow. I know though that he will be watching and keeping an eye on them. I hope and pray that when his kids grows up, they will know what a great person their dad was. Myself and my wife Janene, extend our deepest sympathy, Craig and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt (Ork) O'Rourke
December 15, 2005
To Everyone,
Last night I was out riding my snowmobile. A snowmobile that Chip fixed for me after my little brother racked it up on a bush at my Parents’ house a few years back. He told me what parts to get and fixed it so that He, Mongo, Stauss and I could ride the trails that weekend. That’s just one example of the countless times he had helped someone out. I’m thankful and proud to say that Chip was a friend of mine. My deepest sympathies to his wife and family.
Monica Glorioso
December 14, 2005
Being given a nickname can be an honor. It’s a sign that people like you, they are comfortable around you, and that you are their friend. That was never a problem for Craig. He always had a nickname. And he was always everyone’s friend. Whether you called him Whitey, Schmitty, Chip, Chippy, or simply just Craig, he was our friend. I am thankful for having that friendship. My thoughts and prayer go out to the entire Schmitt family.
David & Ruth Strupp
December 14, 2005
To Craig's Family:
Our deepest sympathy to Bev,Brendan,baby Schmitt and Craig's whole family. We are still in shock. Craig was a big part of our family for 5 years and we loved him like a son, so we have a very heavy heart. Bev, I remember at your wedding, Craig giving us this huge hug and thanking us for being like parents to him. It was so easy to love him,he was always doing something for someone and always had that awesome smile that just melted your heart. Treasure all those memories and you and the children will always be in our hearts and prayers. If you need anything don't hesitate to call.
Joan Heiden
December 14, 2005
Dear Family of Craig,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. I was one of Craig's teachers at Richfield Elementary School. I remember blond hair, a contagious smile, a great sense of humor, and lots of potential for a successful, happy life.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Joan Heiden
Scott Indermuehle
December 14, 2005
Brian,
I'm sorry to hear of your unexpected loss. My thoughts and prayers go out you, your family, and to Craig's wife and children.
Connie Madden
December 13, 2005
Nicky and Brian
I just can't believe this....I am so sorry to hear about your son and brother - My love and concern goes out to both of you and your families - You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy (Boden) Hennes
December 13, 2005
It's been a few years since I've seen Craig, but I can still picture his warm smile and friendly ways. I was not surprised to hear what a proud Daddy he was and how fondly he spoke of his wife, Bev. Craig's famiy and mine were next door neighbors (well about as "next door" as you can get out in Colgate) when we were growing up. With his bright blonde hair and contageous smile, he earned the nickname "Whitey" and all in our neighborhood looked forward to his visits. He took time to visit and play not only with the other kids in the area, but also enjoyed "shootin' the breeze" with the farmer down the road and the old man (my grandpa) working on his antique cars in the barn. Craig knew how to take the time to connect with people in a way that was wise beyond his years. I feel very fortunate to have known Craig. I hope that we can honor his giving spirit by perhaps being a little more caring and interested in those around us this holiday season and always. To Bev, Brendan, Dale, Nicki, Brian, and all of Craig's family and friends, my heart and my prayers go out to you. May you find strength in the comfort of others and may you celebrate Craig's life with the way you lead your own.
Ange Krohn
December 13, 2005
Bev-
I was so sorry to hear of Chip's passing. I apologize that I am unable to attend his memorial service, but I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember what a great person Chip was and how he was always smiling, and hope that all the wonderful memories you have had with him can help you begin to heal. We are all very lucky to have known him and I am certain his memory will continue on in all of us.
Barb Renkas
December 13, 2005
I worked with Craig's mother-in-law, Pauline, for many years. My prayers and sympathy for the entire family.
Kari Cannestra(Pierre)
December 13, 2005
My deepest sympathies, Bev. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Ramona & Robert Torzala
December 13, 2005
To Beverly & Family,
I cannot express enough my deepest sympathy about the loss of Craig. I just remember what a nice guy he was and
what a wonderful wedding you had, when we came to Brendan baptism what a proud father he was, and such a wonderful home he built for his family. I am truly sorry for this great loss. I can only think that God needed his talents in heaven for another important job.
Please know that I have you and your children & Craig's family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love - Moni & Rob
The Klinks
December 13, 2005
To Craig's Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that your wonderful memories of Craig will help to sustain you through this difficult time. Patrick shared with me his nickname of "Old Yeller," given to him at Spongie's bachelor golf outing because he was always in the woods retrieving balls. He worked hard in life and at play, and he will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.
Our sincerest sympathy,
Patrick and Margie Klink
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Funeral services provided by:
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation ServicesW250N6505 Hwy 164, Sussex, WI 53089
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more