Paul Eldor Schmidt

Paul Eldor Schmidt, 85, of Algoma, was called home to be with the Lord, April 6, 2025 at Autumn's Journey Assisted Living in Algoma.

He was born at the old Algoma hospital on Mill Street on August 9, 1939, the son of Eldor Julius Schmidt and Elsie Ida (Erdmann) Schmidt. He was baptized on August 30, 1939 at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Algoma by Pastor Karl Topel and was confirmed on June 14, 1954 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rankin by Pastor E. A. Wians. Paul grew up in Algoma, next to Otto Krueger Construction Company and was considered to be one of the family. He graduated from Algoma High School with the class of 1957.

Paul enlisted to serve his country with the United States Army, entering into active service on November 2, 1957. He was honorably discharged from the Army on May 1, 1958 with the rank of Private Second Class. Paul remained on reserve status with the Army until September 12, 1964.

In 1964, he met the love of his life, Juanita Laurene Larsen from Denmark. They were united in marriage on January 23, 1965. Together, Paul and Juanita raised their four children: Timothy, Phillip, Tricia, and Peter. He worked for the City of Algoma Street Department for nearly 39 years. Paul was a member of the Algoma Fire and Rescue Department for 38.5 years, earning the ranks of Firefighter Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief. He was very proud to have served in every rank of the department. Paul was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Rankin, where he taught Sunday School and served as (Sunday School) Superintendent. He held various positions in the church, including Elder, Finance Committee Member, and served as Congregation President.

Paul was one of the original members of the Algoma Jaycees and was also a member of the Battery B 887th FA Battalion, the AMVETS Post 42, Local AFSME-51, and the NRA.

In retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at the Algoma Visitor Center and taking annual trips with "TT". Some of Paul's proudest moments were watching his grandchildren's sporting events and at times, critiquing the officials "a little too loudly." He was a charter member of the Moonlighters Concrete Crew, where every member of the family had an obligation to (unwillingly) serve at one time or another. Hunting season was always the highlight of his year, where he spent many hours sitting on his 5-gallon pail. Whether the season was a success or not, it was always quality time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Paul will be missed by his beloved wife, Juanita "TT" with whom he was blessed to share over 60 years of marriage; children, Timothy (Kelly) Schmidt, Phillip (Jenny) Schmidt, Patricia Schmidt, and Peter (Devin) Schmidt; grandchildren, Taylor (Brooke) Bredael-Schmidt and Tori (Jordan) Jorgensen, Matthew (Courtney) Schmidt, Andrew "Hammer" (Cassie) Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, and Breanne Schmidt, and Bristol Schmidt and Pierce Schmidt; great-grandchildren, Bowie, Hadley, Braxten, and Jay and Winny; brother, Wayne (Karen) Schmidt; cousin, Joyce Sibilsky Wians; siblings-in-law, Judy Hood, Joann Otto, Joy Otto, Jon (Kathy) Larsen, James (Nancy) Larsen, Jerelyn (Ralph) Bougie, and Joel (Laura) Larsen; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother and mother, Eldor (Gertrude) Schmidt and Elsie Schmidt; infant brother, Carl; parents in-law, Earl and Letitia Larsen; brothers-in-law, Jack Hood, Wesley Otto, and Orville Otto; and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St John's Lutheran Church in Rankin with Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson officiating. Paul will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Algoma with Military Honors by the United States Army and the Algoma Honor Guard.

Visitation for family and friends will be held after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025 at St John's Lutheran Church with a devotion to conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday after 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sycamore Lodge; and Jennie Pavlat and her staff at Autumn's Journey; and Heather from Unity Hospice for the care and comfort you gave to Paul during his time in your care."

Memorials may be given in Paul's name for St. John's Lutheran Church (E5221 Church Road, Algoma, WI 54201) or the Algoma Fire/Rescue Association (400 3rd Street, Algoma, WI 54201).

Arrangements have been entrusted with Schinderle Funeral Home in Algoma. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Paul may be shared with family through his tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.