Gary Schmidt

MADISON - Gary Robert Schmidt, age 60, passed away on April 12, 2015 after a long battle with illness. He faced multiple medical challenges with knowledge, grace, and courage. Gary was born on May 15, 1954 in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin to Ken and Lois Schmidt. After graduating from Whitefish Bay High School, Gary attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received his degree in pharmacy in 1979. It was there he reconnected with his high school classmate and the love of his life, Laurie Kaufman, who he married in 1978. After completing a pharmacy residency in Tampa, Florida, Gary took a job as a pharmacist at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. Gary worked as a VA pharmacist for 27 years. Gary truly loved his job and the opportunity to help others on a daily basis. For his service, he received the Hands and Heart Award, given to employees whose dedication to Veterans is marked by the highest standards in patient care.
Outside from work, Gary's greatest enjoyment was being with his family. He had a passion for sports and coaching his two sons. Whether it was soccer, basketball or baseball, Gary always found a way to be on the sidelines. Gary was an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan. He relished the victories, and had plenty of constructive criticism for the defeats.
Gary was truly a joy to be around. A kind and considerate man, Gary always took time out for others. With a quick wit and a smile, Gary's jokes would light up a room. He taught us not to sweat the small stuff. He will sadly be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ken Schmidt. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; sons Brian (Christine Khosropour) of Seattle, Washingston and Steven of Minneapolis, Minnesota; mother Lois of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; sister Debbie (Gary) Hegstrom of Lake Mills, Wisconsin; aunt Nancy Ostermann (the late Ted); father and mother-in-Law, Bernard and Sylvia Kaufman, brother and sisters-in-law, Ellen and Ben Mandelman, Jan (the late Gary) Kaufman, cousins Linda Jorve and Ellen Ostermann and nieces and nephews Jeff (Kelli) Hegstrom, Joel and Emily Mandelman, Aaron, Noah, Anna, (Dave Springob), Asher Kaufman and numerous other family and friends.
The family would like to thank the many health care professionals including those at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics for the care that they provided Gary over the years. Your care, skill, and kindness do not go unnoticed.
Funeral Service will be Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 12:30 pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI. Friends and family may call from 11 am until time of service. Interment will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), 1126 S. 70th St., West Allis, WI 53214 or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434