Raymond Schmoller

Mike passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Sunday, June 28, 2020, after returning home from a neighborhood walk. He will be missed deeply by his family, friends and colleagues. Mike was born in Waukesha on December 30, 1955, the son of Raymond and Laverne (Schultz) Schmoller.

Mike was a loving spouse and a dedicated father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Anne Biebel, Cross Plains; son, Daniel (Jenn Yee) Schmoller, Menomonee Falls; daughter, Mary Beth (Dane) Small, Aspen, Colorado; grand-daughter, Addison Schmoller, Menomonee Falls; mother Laverne “Bernie” Schmoller, Waukesha; and sister, Sandy (Bob) Gardener, Sequim, Washington.

Mike is further survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Diane Traxler Schmoller, Madison.

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Schmoller of Waukesha in 1988.

After graduating from UW-Stevens Point and completing graduate studies at UW-Madison, Mike began work in 1982 with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. After thirty-eight years, he was planning to retire at the end of 2020 from his position as the Regional Spills Coordinator-Hydrogeologist for South Central Wisconsin. Mike was passionate about his work and deeply admired by his colleagues for his intelligence, work ethic and competence.

Mike loved all sports, excelled at them and instilled these interests in his children, Mary Beth and Daniel. Mike was the best dad ever and on the sideline for every game or sporting event. From hockey to soccer to football to horse shows to softball to karate, he provided unwavering support and encouragement. Some of the best times he shared with Daniel and Mary Beth were bluegill fishing on Lake Mendota and pheasant hunting in Iowa. Every July you could find Mike and his kids fishing for walleye on Lake Mamakwash in Ontario, Canada.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Mike was an avid sportsman and recently enjoyed several pheasant and duck hunting trips to Iowa, South Dakota and Missouri. Mike excelled at skeet shooting and relished his visits to the gun range, an activity he enjoyed the morning of his death. Mike adored his dogs and trained them as hunting companions. He is missed by his black labs DD and Raven, with whom he shared many happy adventures.

Mike’s involvement in his community also is notable. Mike served as a Coach for the youth football program at St. Francis Xavier over many seasons, often putting together a winning team. Mike had also served as a member of the Cross Plains Village Board and was formerly a member of the Cross Plains Emergency Medical Services Rescue team. It would be hard to find a more down-to-earth, stand-up guy than Mike Schmoller.

Heartfelt thanks to those who came to help Mike in his time of need, including Lieutenant Kim Ready of the Cross Plains Police Department, the Cross Plains EMS, the Cross Plains Fire Department, the City of Middleton Paramedics and the Dane County Medical Examiner. Your care and professionalism were deeply appreciated.

Unfortunately a memorial gathering for Mike will be delayed until safer conditions prevail relative to the covid virus. Plans will be announced on this page.

Cress Center

6021 University Avenue

Madison, WI 53705

(608) 238-8406