Richard "Dick" Schmidt

Schmidt, Richard "Dick" The construction industry and Milwaukee community is mourning the death of Richard "Dick" Schmidt. Richard died yesterday, Thursday, September 10, 2009, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend, Wisconsin at the age of 77. Richard served as the current Chairman and past president and CEO of CG Schmidt. Richard Schmidt had a profound impact on the construction industry in Wisconsin, and perhaps an even greater impact on the non-profit community. Richard began working at the family construction business, which was founded by his grandfather in 1920, when he was nine years old pulling nails out of lumber and learning how to be a bricklayer. After attending Spencerian College and serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he worked his way up through the company ranks to become president in 1984. Since 1992, he was chairman of the firm, leading the company from $10 million in annual revenue to $250 million in 2008. Under his leadership, CG Schmidt now ranks within the top 100 construction managers in the nation and has completed such notable, community-based projects as the Milwaukee Art Museum's Calatrava Addition, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Fine Arts Center and exhibits at the Milwaukee County Zoo. He was an exceptional human being - a man of great integrity, whose commitment to community and family was an example to us all. He will be sorely missed. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Susan (nee Spanbauer) and his ten children, Laura (Bill) Bryson, Rick (Nickie), David (Tracy), Julie, Teri Demsey, Mary (Rick) Olson, Mark (Tricia), Kristin (Jon) Lange, Joanna (Brian) Beggs, Eric (Karie). He is also loved and survived by his sister Charlene (Lorch), his brother Chuck, his 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Phillip Funeral Home from 4 pm to 8 pm on Monday, September 14. The funeral home is located at 1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend, Wisconsin. A vigil will be held at 8pm. On September 15, a memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, located at 138 North 8th Avenue, West Bend, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard L. Schmidt's memory to Kathy Hospice, 3232 Pleasant Valley Rd, West Bend, WI 53095.