Russell Paul Schmidt

Russell Paul Schmidt passed away, aged 90, on Monday, October 6th, 2025 in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Russell was born January 7th,1935 to Paul and Dorothea (nee Klapperich) Schmidt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Russell grew up in Milwaukee as an only child. He often spoke of spending time at his aunt’s cabin in Big Cedar. He graduated from Custer High School. Russell married Cynthia in August 1971, gaining a daughter Robin. A year later, they welcomed their twin girls, Tammy and Kitty. Following their divorce, Russell and Cynthia remained friends for life, he even developed a fatherly relationship with her youngest child, a son Jay. Russell was a hardworking man, retiring from Kmart in 1994 to relocate from Milwaukee to Sheboygan to be with his twins and grandchildren.

A big personality, Russell is remembered by all who had the fortune to meet him. He had a love of travel, often sharing with his grandkids his stories of the Bahamas or asking for flight costs to Monte Carlo. He was an avid lover of Wisconsin sports, especially the Wisconsin Badgers. He often would spend afternoons analyzing college football statistics. He loved dogs, having several throughout his life. His most recent puppy in crime was his pup Jack, who was always by his side. He loved food, his favorites being steak, Chinese pepper steak, Spanish rice, and stuffed peppers. You can expect he would never be without his Pepsi, RC cola or Mountain Dew, going so far as to get approval from his dietician that he can keep drinking it. Russell was a kind, caring and compassionate man, never meeting a stranger anywhere he went. Russell could also be a little rascal, in the best way, playing little tricks for his care team or family to make them laugh. A proud grandpa, he told everyone he met how proud his children and grandchildren made him.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Northshore at Home and Heritage Health Services, especially his nurse Claire, for the exceptional care and concern they provided to Russell and his family.

Russell is survived by children, twin girls, Tammy Hanke and Kitty Navis; his former wife, Cynthia Falk (nee Manthei), her son, Jay Roberg Jr., and her daughter, Robin Mulder (nee Manthei) and his grandchildren Krystle Hilbelink, Richard Hilbelink Jr., Jeffrey Holm Jr., Jared Hanke, Carisha Bell, Jeason Bell Jr., Anthony Bell, Tiffany Navis, Trevor Navis, Rose Marie Hanke, Roger Hanke Jr., Roberta Navis, and Jonas Navis and 10 great grandchildren.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothea and Paul, his sons-in-law Roger Hanke and Bryon Navis, his granddaughter Marandi Navis, and his beloved fur babies Jack, Teddy, and Duchess.

Russell’s final wish was to enjoy the October 18th Wisconsin/Ohio game. In honor of this wish, a celebration of life will be held for Russell on October 18th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Saron UCC, Sheboygan Falls in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association. Donations can be made by visiting their website at https://diabetes.org/.