Robert Roy Schmidt, Sr.

Robert (Rob) Roy Schmidt, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home in Winchester, Wisconsin, on August 8, 2025. Rob was born a “Dr. Kate baby” in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, on April 12, 1949, to Helen (McGlinn) and Roy Schmidt of Winchester. Rob joined his four older sisters, Judy, Janice, Sally, and Rosalae at home, later followed by his younger brother, Jack.

Rob lived in Winchester all but eighteen months of his life and was a graduate of Winchester Public School (‘63) and Lakeland Union High School (‘67) in Minocqua. In 1968, Rob met his future wife, Sharon Lee Ulrich, in Mercer, Wisconsin. They were wed in Chicago on December 27, 1969, surrounded by family and friends, and welcomed back to Winchester shortly afterward with a wedding party attended by practically the whole town.

Rob apprenticed as a plumber with Richard Wilson, eventually becoming a Master Plumber and starting his own business, Schmidt & Sons Plumbing. He was proud to have his two sons, Robert and Michael, join him in his work. While Rob was easing into retirement, he bought and sold real estate, and Rob Jr. became the sole owner of Schmidt & Sons.

Rob worked hard to accomplish business success, but also found time to become a licensed pilot, golf at Gogebic Country Club (achieving a hole in one), attend fourteen Super Bowls, and become a Master of Masonic Lodge #0237 in Mercer. He was proud to have been one of the original Winchester Lions Club members and served as a volunteer on the Winchester Ambulance in its early years. After retirement he enjoyed spending time in Leesburg, Florida, and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Rob loved visiting with his many lifelong friends on his screen porch overlooking North Turtle Lake, but what he treasured most was spending time with his family. The highlight of his day would be when his son Rob stopped by after work to discuss his day, sports, news, and everything else. His favorite memories were of his three grandchildren — Katie, Erin, and Cam — spending time at his home. He was fond of saying they had their own bedroom at Grandpa and Grandma’s house and loved sharing stories of the time he spent with them on “Grandpa days.” Every conversation included him bragging about how kind, compassionate, smart, and hardworking each of them are. Watching football with his son and grandchildren became a fall ritual, and of course there had to be snacks.

Rob is survived by his wife Sharon; son Robert (Teresa) Schmidt, Jr., of Winchester, Wisconsin; grandchildren Katherine Schmidt of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Erin Schmidt, and Cameron Schmidt; brother Jack (Therese) Schmidt of Arkansas; nieces Linda (Patrick) Hickman and Penny Schultz; nephews William T. Scheels, Thomas Scheels, Todd Campfield, Peter (Amy) Schultz, Erik (Jodi) Schultz, Jack (Nicole) Schmidt, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Roy Schmidt; son Michael Schmidt; sisters Judy Schmidt, Janice Campfield, Sally Scheels, and Rosalae Schultz; brothers-in-law Edward

Campfield, William E. Scheels, Peter Schultz, and Casey Sliwicki; great-nephew Matthew Hickman and great-niece Kimberly Scheels; sister-in-law Karen Galbaldon; and parents-in-law Joseph and Lillian Ulrich.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Compassus, Dr. Conde, Dr. McGill, Paula McKinnon DNP, Dr. Bettag, and Marshfield Clinic for their compassionate care. At Rob’s request, cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be interred at the Winchester Cemetery in a private family ceremony.