Richard ""Dick"" Dale Schmidt

Waunakee -- Richard D. Schmidt, age 83, of Waunakee, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 28, 2010.

Richard was born on June 4, 1926 in Silver Lake, Wisconsin, to George L. and Myrtle E. (Westlake) Schmidt.  He married Esther I. Epping on July 21, 1951.  In 1955 they moved to Waunakee where they raised their five children.  Richard worked for 41 years at Oscar Meyer; the majority of those years as a Livestock Evaluation Supervisor.  He retired in 1988 and enjoyed his golden years of golfing, hunting, fishing, and swapping jokes with his morning coffee buddies.  Dick's most special times were spent with his wife and all their children and grandchildren; a favorite memory being the 40+ year annual tradition of their week-long vacation on Lake Namakagon.

After graduating from Wilmot High School, Richard entered the Navy and served from June 1944 to June 1946.  Following his Navy service, he attended the University of Wisconsin Madison.  He joined the American Legion Post 360 in Waunakee in 1956, served two years as Post Commander, and has been an active member ever since.  Dick was extremely proud of his military career with the Navy and his association with the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Esther; their children, Bruce (Mary Dresser), Steven (Nancy Bowes), Jacquelynn (Dennis Sweno), Dale, and Kimberly (Timothy Andryk); and their ten grandchildren Jared, Derek, and Aaron Schmidt; Stephanie and Bradley Schmidt; Jessica, Joshua, and Kimberly Sweno; Brian and Samantha Andryk.  Also surviving are many loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters- and brothers-in-law.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers (Robert, Gordon, George, Donald, and James). 

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Family will greet friends at church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post 360 will follow in the parish cemetery. 

Dad, we love you and will miss you.   You will forever be in our hearts.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Highway Q

Waunakee (608) 849-4513