William J. "Bill" Schmidt

1939 - 2025

Watertown, WI - William J. Schmidt (Bill), 86, entered into his heavenly home on December 16, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI with Rev. Tim Redfield and Rev. Anthony Schultz officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown, WI on Friday, December 19, 2025 for visitation from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Rainbow Community Care, the R.O.C., T.E.L.L., or to a charity of one's choice.

Bill was born on July 18, 1939, on his family's farm in Clyman, WI, to parents Roland and Esther (Fuchs) Schmidt. He was the oldest of twelve children. Bill was baptized into Christ on August 6, 1939. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1957 and worked as a farm laborer during his junior and senior years. Bill enlisted in the United States Army on October 18, 1958, and served at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Verdun, France, before his honorable discharge on July 18, 1961. Following his military service, Bill married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Phyllis Hoppe, on December 2, 1961, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI. Bill dedicated 60 years of service to the 7-Up Bottling Co., where he truly enjoyed each and every day of his work as a salesman and then Vice-President of Sales & Marketing until the business was sold in 2023.

A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Bill was blessed to serve WELS Kingdom Workers, the ROC, and in many other areas of his church and community. He always enjoyed a good game of cards, as well as many rounds of golf in WI and FL. Most of all, Bill cherished time spent with his family and friends. Those who knew him will remember two favorite words - NO PROBLEM, and how he gave the best hugs!!

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Schmidt; daughters, Janet (Jeff) Ebert and Pam (Todd) Kuehl; grandchildren, Jackie (Pat) Dryer, Christopher Ebert, Andrew (Toniette) Flint, Aaron (Samantha) Flint, Gabrielle Kuehl, Lyndsey (Craig) Tilot, and Korin Kuehl; great grandchildren Oliver Dryer, Evan Ebert, Emmett Ebert, Cru Flint, Gianna Flint, Tiahna Tilot, Teagan Tilot, and Averil Tilot; siblings, Robert (Inez) Schmidt, Paul (Sharon) Schmidt, Herbert (Patsy) Schmidt, Russel (Marlis) Schmidt, David Schmidt, Dorothy (Bob) Kasubaski, Fredric (Laura) Schmidt, Barbara (Leonard) Reinke, and Brenda (Timothy) Grams; and brother-in-law, Michael (Cindy) Paul; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

William is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph Schmidt; sister, Debbra Paul; brother-in-law, Eugene Genz; and sisters-in-law, Arlene Schmidt and Judy Schmidt.

Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com. The Schmidt family extends heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for, loved, and supported Bill while on his earthly journey.