Thomas R. Schmidt, 82, of Cecil, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Appleton. He was born on Feb. 1, 1932, in Appleton, son of the late Joseph A. and Pearl M. (Miller) Schmidt.
After graduating from high school, Tom proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his time in the service he came home to meet, and marry, the love of his life, Mary Ann C. Rutten, on Sept. 3, 1955. Their marriage was blessed with six children, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four more on the way soon.
Tom was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Parish and a 50-year member of American Legion Post 38 in Appleton. After retiring from Appleton Papers in 1988, Tom and Mary took up a life of RV-ing. They travelled the United States, spending winters in Arizona, and eventually buying a house in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Summers were spent at a property that the family lovingly called Mill Creek. They eventually purchased an old farm in Cecil, with plenty of space for their beloved family to gather, play and grow.
Tom enjoyed HAM radio, working in his yard, collecting antiques, shooting handguns and telling stories. He had a deep affinity for animals, which was obvious to anybody that knew him. Most recently, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his beautiful great-granddaughters.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Ann; his children, Carleen Schmidt, Appleton, Linda (Dave) Arend, New Berlin, Diana (Thomas) Tapelt, Annandale, Minnesota, Bruce Schmidt, Appleton, Bonnie (Len) Jastroch, Fall Brook, California; grandchildren, Jessica (sp. friend Betsy), Germantown, Bryce (Sarah) Tummett, Kimberly, Nicole Arend, Milwaukee, Kyle Arend, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chad Arend, Milwaukee, Elliott Tapelt, Mankato, Minnesota, Tyler Tapelt, Crystal, Minnesota, Joseph Tapelt, Annandale, Minnesota, Darrel (Krystal) Schmidt, Appleton, Rebecca Schmidt, Appleton, Brandon (Heidi) Schmidt, Black Creek, Brad Schmidt, Tampa, Florida, Justin (Donna) Wichman, Brookfield, Thomas Schmidt, Kaukauna, James Schmidt, Kaukauna, Heather (Kevin) Cook, Fond du Lac, Amber Schmidt, Appleton, Christopher Schmidt, Appleton; his brother, Bill (Ceal) Schmidt, St. Germaine; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Schmidt, his brother, Harold Schmidt, and other in-laws.
The funeral service for Tom will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Menasha’s Westgor Funeral Home. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. He will be entombed next to his dear son, Brian, at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton.
Westgor Funeral Home, 1140 Appleton Road, Menasha, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.
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