Ronald Raymond Schmidt

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9).

On June 14, 2025, Ronald Raymond Schmidt entered into his heavenly home as a blood-bought child of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God, in His eternal wisdom, allowed leukemia to be the cause of his earthly life to end so that Ron could enjoy the mansion that was prepared for him in heaven.

Ron was born on May 9, 1942 to Raymond and Esther (née Kahler) Schmidt. He was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. On June 7, 1942 Ron was baptized and made a child of God at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Black Creek, WI. While in grade school, Ron and his family moved to Appleton, WI. At age 14, on the day of his Confirmation, Ron publicly confessed his God-given faith in Jesus Christ as his one and only Savior. His Confirmation verse is Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Ron attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School, graduating in 1960. Upon graduation, Ron enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and received an honorable discharge after six years of service. While in high school, Ron met his loving and faithful wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Herrmann. The two were united in marriage on November 2, 1963 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. God blessed their union with four children, and at the time of his death, 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Esther (née Kahler) Schmidt, his in-laws Charles and Elizabeth (née Kasper) Herrmann, his brother-in-law Charles Peter Herrmann, an infant grandson, Isaac Christopher Schroeder (2010), and a granddaughter, Mackenzie Renae Schmidt (2022). Even as we mourn, we know theirs is a blessed reunion together with their gracious heavenly Father. It is with that confidence that we look forward to the great and glorious day of the Resurrection when we will all be together again in the perfect joy of heaven.

Ron worked for Miller Electric Manufacturing Company for 39 years. He began his career in the Appleton, WI plant, moved up to a sales position, and eventually became a District Manager. In 1975, Ron and Betsy moved to Noblesville, IN. Ron’s outgoing and humorous personality led him to have many friends, both inside and outside of his job.

Ron was an avid driver who never let distance keep him from attending family events or watching his children and grandchildren in their various sports, music, and drama productions. For 37 years, Ron enjoyed going to the Indianapolis 500 with his family and friends. He and Betsy spent many, many happy hours together, traveling around the country on vacation. Two places that were favorites of Ron’s were the Grand Tetons and the state of Alaska. Ron often spoke of God’s amazing creation and was grateful for the opportunity to travel.

Ron was an active church member throughout his adult life. He especially enjoyed participating in evangelism efforts and property maintenance projects. Most recently Ron was the Treasurer of his church, Peace Lutheran in Kokomo.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Betsy, 4 children: Elizabeth Schmidt, Lafayette, IN, Rev. Daniel (Elizabeth) Schmidt, Ixonia, WI, Laura (Rev. Thomas) Schroeder, Novi, MI and Rev. David (Kelly) Schmidt, Little Chute, WI., 17 of his grandchildren, his 9 great grandchildren, his sister Ruth Ann Schmidt of Lafayette, IN and several other dear family members.

The above passage, Proverbs 16:9, was one Ron repeated over and over to family, friends, and hospital workers. Everyone who met Ron knew that his trust was in the Lord. It was his desire that many would hear the message of eternal salvation and find their comfort, peace, and hope as he did, in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Even in his last days, Ron would confess his faith, say prayers out loud, and recite The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 repeatedly.

Two Christian funerals will take place for Ron. Family and friends may come to hear God’s words of comfort at Peace Lutheran Church, 750 E. Markland Ave. Kokomo, IN on Wednesday, June 18th with the Rev. Mark Rosenberg officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the 11:00 a.m. service.

A second funeral is planned at St. Luke’s, Little Chute, WI (705 E. Greenfield Dr.) on Friday, June 20th with the Rev. Ronald Szep officiating. Family and friends may meet for a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Ron’s Christian funeral following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI.

In keeping with Ron and Betsy’s love of evangelism work and missions, memorial gifts may be made out to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and marked for missions.

These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14).

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com