Steven Schmidt
Steve is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended Wauwatosa West High School, and moved on to UW-Stevens Point earning a BS degree in Business. He then attended New England Institute in Boston for a degree in Funeral Service. Steve is an avid fitness enthusiast, participating in triathlons and the Ironman. He enjoys all kinds of sports and outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. He is a fourth-generation funeral director, continuing in the tradition of the family business. Steve is past president of the Brookfield Optimist Club and Funeral Service Alliance. He is a member of the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, where he attends with his wife, Laura, and children, Kyle and Karina. Why Funeral Directing? “Outside of growing up and around this business, I look to find a level to relate with families and allow them to work through their loss in such a way that the funeral service becomes a positive experience for them.”
Bob Schmidt
Bob is from Milwaukee, WI. He is a 1978 graduate of Wauwatosa West High School, a 1982 graduate of UW-Eau Claire in Business, and a 1992 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Bob is an avid fitness fan, playing softball, and enjoys the many festivals the city offers throughout the summer months. He is a member of Kiwanis Club of Wauwatosa and Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. As a fourth generation director, he was licensed in 1992 and has been working in his family’s business ever since. Why Funeral Directing? “I’m very well-rounded and well-versed on a variety of subjects, I listen well, and am able to find a common ground with people. I feel I meet the nicest people at the worst of times. It’s also an honor to work with a great staff that shares my feelings about service to the families and works toward a common goal.”
Terry Marcou
Terry is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended Francis Jordan High School and graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN. He is a golf enthusiast and enjoys community service. Terry is a member of Menomonee Falls Optimist Club, Sussex Lions Club, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He has been with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. since 1971. Why Funeral Directing? "I try to help people at probably the toughest time in their lives. If they can get through the funeral process, then they can get on with a new, different life.”
Tom Daub
Tom is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended Waukesha High School and spent 2 years at UW-Milwaukee. He then finished his schooling at WI Institute of Mortuary Science. Some of his interests include gardening, antique collecting, traveling, and curling. From 1962-1994, Tom worked at Fass Funeral Home in Shorewood. He has been with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. since 1994. Why Funeral Directing? “I am a people person and it is a great satisfaction to be able to help in a time of need.”
Jim Mayo
Jim is from Antigo, WI. He started his college career at UW-Eau Claire and continued at MATC, getting a degree in Mortuary Science. He is also a US Army Veteran. His interests include watching sports, golf, music, and volunteering with his dog “Buddy”. Jim has been a director with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. for 14 years. Why Funeral Directing? “I have always enjoyed working with people and thought funeral service would give me that opportunity.”
Steve Storvik
Steve is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended Wauwatosa West High School, UW-Milwaukee, and earned his degree from MATC in Funeral Service. His interest is his family, raising his four sons with his wife Gail, church activities, and sports. He began his apprenticeship back in 1980 and has been with Schmidt & Bartelt ever since. Why Funeral Directing? “A good funeral director needs to be caring and knowledgeable, but a great director is one who listens, takes nothing for granted, and treats each situation with individuality. I strive each day to be in that great category.”
Michelle Myles
Michelle is from Milwaukee, WI. Her schooling consists of a BA in Communication at UW-Parkside and an Associate degree in Mortuary Science from MATC. She loves gardening and traveling. Michelle has been a licensed director for 13 years, with the past 9 of those years at Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. Why Funeral Directing? “In college, I was looking for a profession that would fulfill my needs to serve others in a meaningful way. My grandmother suggested funeral directing, and by doing so, I became the fourth generation of directors in my family."
Wayne White
Wayne is from Gary, IN. He has earned a BA degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a MFA degree from the University of Alabama, and a degree in Funeral Service from MATC. Before funeral service, Wayne spent many years traveling and working as a theater artist. He was licensed with Schmidt & Bartelt in 1997. Why Funeral Directing? “I am happy and fulfilled dedicating my energies to the families we serve and making memorable, meaningful services.”
Karen Gauerke
Karen is from Tomahawk, WI. She became a fourth generation funeral director after earning her degree in Mortuary Science from MATC. She enjoys playing with her dog, both watching and playing sports, especially, volleyball, baseball and basketball, and most importantly, spending time with her family and friends. Why Funeral Directing? “I feel it is an honor for me to do my job. I have always been an outgoing person and I enjoy creating a special bond with the families that I serve.”
Vito Marchese
Vito is from Waukesha, WI. He is a 1985 graduate of Juneau High School in Milwaukee. He proceeded to Concordia University and then to MATC, receiving his degree in Mortuary Science. Vito’s interests include sports, cardio kickboxing, and spending time with the family. He has been employed with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. since 1991. Why Funeral Directing? “I feel funeral directing is a privilege. By combining experience and professionalism, I have always tried to treat others how I would want to be treated, and that’s with care and genuine concern. With a gentile approach and a listening ear, I try to make the families comfortable with the services they choose.”
Greg Dittrich
Greg is from Milwaukee, WI. Greg is a 1977 graduate of Menomonee Falls East High School and continued on to UW-Waukesha. He received his degree from MATC in 1981 in Mortuary Science. His interests include running, golf, and sports. He has worked for Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. since 1979. Why Funeral Directing? “I followed in my father’s footsteps who was also a director at Schmidt & Bartelt. This funeral home is a family business and I think family and community are important.”
Mike Patterson
Mike is from Wild Rose, WI. He earned his degree in Mortuary Science from MATC. Mike assists his wife with home schooling their 3 children. He is a member of First Alliance Church in Germantown and actively engages in church activities, as well as community sports leagues. He worked as a funeral director for nearly 10 years in Iron Mountain, MI before joining the Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. staff in 2005. Why Funeral Directing? “I recognize the importance of developing relationships with families I serve. With compassion and strong faith, I guide them in preparing meaningful services with a personal touch to reflect dignity and concern for their loved one.”
Steve Pierre
Steve is from Milwaukee, WI. He has a Bachelor degree in Counseling/Psychology and an Associate degree in Mortuary Science. He is an avid sportsman, both playing and watching, and spending time with his family. He has been licensed with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. for 8 years. Why Funeral Directing? “I pay attention to detail, making sure I did everything to the full potential. I feel I have a good compassion/directive balance, that I listen to each family’s individual needs and concerns.”
Andy Stencel
Andy is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended Pius XI High School and holds three years of schooling at UW-Milwaukee for Business. He earned his Associates degree at MATC in Funeral Service. He enjoys anything outdoors and all sports, especially soccer, golf, and softball. Andy started his apprenticeship with Schmidt & Bartelt and joined the staff in 2005. Why Funeral Directing? “My best friend died unexpectedly when I was at UWM. Going through the grieving process made me realize I wanted to help people through similar times. In a way it was a calling for me.”
Angela Luetkens
Angela is from Kenosha, WI and moved to Milwaukee in 2004 to pursue her career in Funeral Service. She earned her degree in mortuary science at MATC in West Allis. She loves to ice skate, paint and spends time with her friends and family when she is not working. Why Funeral Directing? “I wanted to help people. Working with families and helping them during one of their most difficult times is what I love most and I am so happy that I can do this for them. I am so glad I chose this as a career!”
Joseph Romdenne
Joe is from Two Rivers, WI. He attended Manitowoc Roncalli High School and went on to UW-Platteville, UW-Milwaukee, and MATC. Joe enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and bowling. He served first at Laemmrich Funeral Home in Menasha before joining the Schmidt & Bartelt staff in 1989. Why Funeral Directing? “I feel I am a very dedicated and hardworking individual who is able to help families through a very difficult time in their lives.”
Phil Dobberfuhl
Phil is from Melrose Park, IL. He obtained a BS degree from UW-Milwaukee in 1974 and in 1977, graduated from Milwaukee Mortuary School. Some of his hobbies include gardening and working with model trains. He has been a director with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. for 30 years. Why Funeral Directing? “I have always been comfortable with other people. I know how to keep emotions apart from directing people through the funeral process.”
Phil Hartman
Phil is from New Berlin, WI. He is a 1980 graduate of Martin Luther High School, a 1988 graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha, and a 1990 graduate of MATC in Funeral Service. Phil is an avid outdoorsman, loving all types of hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and camping. He served his apprenticeship at Randle-Dable Funeral Home in Waukesha and joined Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. in 1990. Why Funeral Directing? “I love helping people and this is the perfect job to do that. I have brought the care and concern to my profession that families need at this critical time in their lives.”
Scott Koeske
Scott is from Milwaukee, WI. He attended WI Lutheran High School and graduated from MATC with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a football fan, holding season tickets for the Green Bay Packers! He is also very active in church and enjoys being with friends and family. Scott is also a member of the Welsmen and Martin Club and is also a past president of the Milw/Waukesha Co. Funeral Directors Assn. He directed at Feerick Funeral Home from 1995-2005, and is now with Schmidt & Bartelt, Inc. Why Funeral Directing? “I feel I have brought professionalism and compassion with an ability to work with families needs. It’s very rewarding and an honor to help them in a great time of need.”
|