Michael "Mike" Kleinschmidt

Michael "Mike" Kleinschmidt, age 70, of Merrill, was received into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Gilbert Mercy Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona.

Mike was born on May 15, 1953.  In his early years, Mike helped his father on their small dairy and beef farm, which included making maple syrup in the spring.  He graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1971.  Mike joined the U.S. Army in 1973 and completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He then went to Military Police school at Fort Gordon, Georgia and from there was sent to Fort Sill Oklahoma.   Mike attended K-9 School and was severely injured during a training session.  After he recovered, he was sent to Fort Sam Houston Texas.  Mike was honorably discharged from active duty in 1976.

On October 8, 1977, Mike married Sharon Marie Reist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin. They shared a love that lasted through 46 years of marriage.

In 1978, he joined the Merrill Fire Department.  He acquired an EMTDI certification to expand his skillset and improve his ability to help people. Mike loved his profession, and he was an outstanding civil servant. He wanted to help people and was good at it.  He retired in 2001 for health concerns.

Mike was also involved with the Merrill Fire Department’s MDA tournaments for 24 years.  He canvassed the community for donations and set up raffles.  For his last 5 years with the MDA tournament Mike put together a Sports Memorabilia Auction which was very successful.

Mike loved his community and was very involved.  He was the Deputy Coroner for Lincoln County for 10 years, served on the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors for 7 years, taught hunter safety for 15 years, and volunteered for the Lincoln County 4-H fundraiser for 5 years.

Mike was a kind and gentle soul.  He loved making people smile.  He also loved traveling, sports collecting, watching football, playing games on his iPad, deer hunting, escaping the brutal Wisconsin winters, and spending time with his family and friends. On October 16, 2023, Mike was able to experience the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington DC, which was something he truly looked forward to and enjoyed.  Mike will be sadly missed, but it gives his loved ones’ comfort that he is no longer in pain and is now with his Heavenly Father.

Mike is survived by his wife Sharon Kleinschmidt; daughter Tanya Kleinschmidt; honorary daughter Renee Jacobsen; sister Louise Procknow; brothers John Kleinschmidt and Francis Marquardt; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Evelyn Kleinschmidt; Leonard Kleinschmidt (his biological father); his sister Alice Deutsch, and his half-brother Eugene Glover.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 15245 S Cty Rd K, in Merrill.  Pastor Don Love will officiate.  Visitation at the church will be held from 9:00 am to time of the service. Interment will take place at St Paul Public Cemetery, W6914 Joe Snow Rd in Merrill.

For those unable to attend the service, it will be recorded and posted under his obituary on the funeral home website for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The Muscular Dystrophy Association at https://www.mda.org/ways-to-give or Faith Lutheran Church in Merrill.  

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com