Thomas "Tom" Schmidt

1947 - 2022

Thomas "Tom" Schmidt

Nov. 11, 1947 - Feb. 17, 2022

LAKELAND, FL - Thomas "Tom" Schmidt, age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 surrounded by his family and wife of 52 years. He was born on November 11, 1947 to Kenneth and Doris Schmidt.

After graduating high school in 1966, Tom served in the army as a paratrooper. After his service, he married the love of his life, Penny (Riesen), and was blessed with two sons, Jeffery and Christopher. He drove semi truck for Varco Pruden Buildings before going into business for himself as an owner-operator. As his family grew, he gave up over the road trucking to spend more time with them and began farming with his brother in law and best friend, Dave Pestor. Later in his life, he focused on one of his favorite past times, carpentry/building. Tom had retired with his wife in Lakeland, Florida to escape the Wisconsin winters and spent the summers in Lyndon Station, WI. He loved being a snowbird and had many dear friends at both residences. He continued to help his local community with small carpentry projects right up to the day he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Tom loved to spend time outdoors, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing his passion with his family and friends. He spent most summer vacations fishing in Canada and his annual fly-in fishing trip with his wife was the most anticipated week(s) of any given year. Tom enjoyed golfing as well and carved out time in his busy schedule to be on the course, working on his game with his fellow snow birds.

A longtime member of Hillcrest Bible Church in Oregon, WI, he served as an usher, children's ministry leader, and was instrumental in the building of the Church's activity center. He was very active within the Church and loved the people, always willing to help out when asked or needed.

Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Penny; sons: Jeffery (Jennifer) and Christopher (Angela); grandchildren: Cameron, Peyton (Jacob), Lauren, Garrett (Allie), Lynsey (Brandon), and Brianna .Tom is further survived by his sisters: Kenlyn (Kenneth) Fenrick, Pamela (Harold) Abey; and his brother Kenneth Jr. (Penny) Schmidt, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Doris Schmidt, brother Johnny, and sister Patricia.

A celebration of life will be held in Wisconsin this spring.