Melvin "Mel" J. Schmidt

Melvin “Mel” Schmidt, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 25, 2024. He was born on July 1, 1932 to the late Clara (Greisbach) and John Schmidt.

On October 10, 1956, he married Mary Jane Reinke at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Appleton. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, being stationed in Japan for one year. Before retiring from the service, he found a job at Appleton Wire (Albany International) wher he worked for over 40 years as a millwright. He and Mary would have been married for 68 years this October.

Over the years, he designed and built four homes, along with Mary’s help; three for his family and 1 for his parents. He was a good dad and taught his kids many things over the years. His son, Randy, farms and his dad (being raised on a farm) taught him many things about fixing and taking care of machinery. Today, Randy still asked for his father’s help and advice. Mel was great at fixing things, especially cars. His son, Rick, learned a lot from him on this. He taught his daughter, Kim, about finances and responsibility in everyday life. All three were taught to be kind to all, honest, and to help when they can. He is very proud of his family. Mel was also a charter member of St. Thomas More Church.

Mel is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane; children: Richard Schmidt, Kim (Eric) Goldsmith, and Randy (Barb) Schmidt; grandchildren: Kayla (Benjamin) Schmidt-Vosters, Courtney (Dan) Gillespie, Colleen (Jesse) Kersten, and Kyle (Jessica) Schmidt; great grandchildren: Bennett and Norah Vosters, Luke, Ezra and Bryn Gillespie, Royan, Eirene, Miles, Immanuel, and Peter Kersten, and Isaiah and Owen Schmidt; siblings: Raymond Schmidt, Millie Weyenberg, and Bob (Barb) Schmidt; brothers and sisters-in-law: Lenny Thiel, Judy Schmidt, Bob Reinke, and Jim (Sue) Reinke. He is further survived by many extended family members and friends.

In additon to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by Mary Jane’s parents: Antoinette and George Reinke; siblings: Donald Schmidt, Tony (Joanne) Schmidt, Francis Schmidt, Charlie (Ann) Schmidt, and Marion Thiel; brothers and sisters-in-law: Don Weyenberg, Jerome Reinke, Alice (Herman) Schultz, Jean (Richard) Neubauer, Carol (Mike) Bunnell, George Jr. Reinke, and Pat Reinke.

A Funeral Mass for Mel will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Unit B, Appleton, with full military honors to follow. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Compassus Hospice for the great care and compassion they provided.

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