Richard "Dick" Joseph Schmidt, 81, of Valparaiso, IN passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 with his family by his side. Born in Milwaukee, WI to Otillia (Tilly) and Fred Schmidt.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Suzanne (Prodoehl) Schmidt, and their three children: Steven Thomas (Mary) Schmidt of Granger, IA, Kristine Ann (R. Lawrence) Moss of New Albany, OH, and Susan Lyn Stevens of Carthage, NY. He is also survived by the pride and joys of his life - his grandchildren; Joseph (Courtney) Schmidt, Rebecca (Jon) Schnorr, Jeffrey Schmidt, R. Jackson Moss, Kristine Moss, Ruby Moss, Carolyn Stevens and Hannah Stevens. Richard is survived by his only brother, Frederick (Carol Keating) Schmidt of Ocala, FL, and brother-in-laws: Thomas (Janice, deceased) Prodoehl, Charles (Mary Jane, deceased) Prodoehl, and Lawrence (Bonnie) Prodoehl. Also survived by his many nieces and nephews: Elizabeth (Jim) Freck, Fred (Ann) Schmidt, Gregory Schmidt (deceased), Beth Pellicori, Ann Panyan, Mark (Mitzi) Prodoehl, Jim (Michelle) Prodoehl, Mike (Ellyne) Prodoehl, Dan (Rachel ) Prodoehl, and Brian (Krista) Prodoehl. He truly loved and was loved by his family.
Richard graduated from Don Bosco Catholic High School in 1953. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1956. He is a member of the New Berlin Hoeppner Horn Bros VFW Post 5716 and the Hobart Elks Lodge 1152 in Hobart, IN. Richard’s professional life started with Georgia Pacific Corporation where he worked for 25 years. He worked his way up from warehouse work, to sales, to the General Manager. His job took him to positions in Milwaukee, Des Moines, and Chicago. He finished his career with Haggar Distribution in Grand Rapids, MI.
Upon retirement, Richard was able to spend much time with his family, escape the harsh winters by becoming a Florida snow bird, and also enjoy his other life passion: Golf. He took great pride in consistently being able to shoot less than his age when he reached 80 years old. Many a day was enjoyed with close friends and family out on the course. He had a terrific sense of humor, could take a joke, had a tremendous work ethic, and believed in the benefits of hard work.
Richard was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He will be sorely missed. He left a lasting impression on those who loved him and he will never be forgotten. Richard's life will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30 at St. Bernard Parish, 1500 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI with visitation from 10:30am until time of Catholic Mass at 12:00Noon and burial immediately following at the Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery. Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 10693 NW 101st Court, Granger, Iowa 50109. in honor of his grandson, Jeffrey Schmidt appreciated. On line condolences can be made to the Guestbook at www.schmidtandbartelt.com
