Lawrence Schmidt

Lawrence J. Schmidt, age 81, known by family and friends as "Larry" or "Boz" passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at home. He was born on May 1, 1941 in Madison, the son of Norbert and Viola (Keichinger) Schmidt.

Larry, a lifelong resident of Madison, started working with his dad in the family business, Schmidt’s Auto, at a very young age.

After graduating from Edgewood High School in 1959, Larry furthered his education with trade school courses while continuing to work alongside his father. Larry would go on to own and operate Schmidt’s Auto up until his retirement in 1995. Larry was also the owner of his favorite bar, Licari’s Bar & Grill, which he purchased in 1981, and where lifelong friends were made.

Larry was a lifetime member of the Madison Elks Club, The Knights of Columbus and enjoyed his many friends from the "Car Club". His greatest passion was cars, from vintage to new with an obsession for black Cadillacs.

Larry enjoyed spending his summers living on Lake Monona and spending time at local establishments such as Tully's and the Silver Eagle. In the winter months Larry spent time in Puerto Rico with good friends, Steve and Shirley, and then later in Largo, Florida with family.

Larry and Joan loved to travel and had many adventures. They never missed an opportunity to enjoy life. Their trips to Alaska, around the world and Punta Cana, generated a lifetime of memories.

He is survived by two sons: Michael (Kelly) Schmidt, John (Jodie) Schmidt, two daughters, Cindy (John) Vesperman, Sandi (James) Bongard; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Larry is further survived by his first wife, Madeline (Pellitteri) Endres; brother-in-law, Jack Raemisch; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Viola; sister Mary "Dotz" Raemisch; and his partner of 37 years, Joanne Brandel.

A Prayer Service will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private. The family will join folks for a luncheon following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org ; Energy Services "Heat and Housing for Heroes Fund,” 1225 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715 / https://heat4heroes.org/ ; or the Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 S Park St STE 200, Madison, WI 53713 / https://ulgm.org/ .

Dad, we love you, we miss you.  Until we meet again.....

We welcome you to share your thoughts and memories on Larry’s Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434