Michael Schmieding

Michael Alan Schmieding, loving husband, father, and grandpa passed away peacefully from glioblastoma, at home, on Feb. 9, 2022, with his family by his side.

Mike was born to Martin and Doris Louise (Ahbe) Schmieding on Jan. 15, 1953. He grew up with his brother Steve in Downingtown, PA just outside of Philadelphia. In middle school, Mike and his family moved to Westport, WI and thus his journey in Waunakee began.

Mike met Vicki (Ballweg) while they were both attending Waunakee High School and began dating while Mike was a junior and Vicki was a freshman. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart and started a new life together.  Mike and Vicki proudly raised Shawn, Danielle, and Jason. He was always there for their many cub scout activities, dance recitals, and sporting events - a constant presence. Mike always put family first and was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren.

He began work at General Beverage (Pabst) in 1971, eventually going to work for Pepsi in 1979, where he stayed for 37 years until his retirement in 2018.

Mike shared his love of the outdoors with his friends and family through many camping trips, hiking adventures, hunting weekends, fishing excursions, boating trips, and beach vacations.  He was an advocate of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Association where he completed the MS Best Dam Bike Tour several times. He also volunteered his pontoon for Fishing without Boundaries. Mike was always looking for new adventures, such as participating in the Madison Polar Plunge or building something on his land.

There isn’t a family member or friend around who hasn’t seen Mike fix a boat motor while out on the lake, or heard about his many hunting adventures. There’s nothing that Mike wouldn’t explore.  He was a jack of all trades, a MacGyver with tools, and was quick to give an opinion about how something should be set up (whether you asked or not).  His smile and laugh were infectious, it was never a dull moment with Mike. He could light up a room. To say he will be missed would be an understatement. He shared his love with his family and friends every day with a story and a grin.

Mike is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Shawn (Kate), Danielle Kalscheur (Dennis), Jason (Joanna); his grandchildren, Regin (11), Collins (8), River (6), Archer (3) and Julian (1); his brother, Steve (Jane); and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Doris Louise; his baby brother, Brian; his grandparents; his brother-in-law, Rod Markowski; and his in-laws, Ray and Anita Ballweg.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday Feb,18, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church 5763 County Rd Q Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice Care and Mike’s oncology doctors, Dr. Robins and Dr. Howard, who both provided Mike with devotion and guidance.

We are blessed with the assurance that this is not the end; we will see you again one day.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, a memorial will be determined by the family at a later date.

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513