Roger Gene Schmidt

Roger Gene Schmidt (82) of Appleton, Wisconsin died peacefully in his home with his wife of 60 years by his side on October 23rd, 2025 after a short battle with aggressive esophageal cancer.

He was born in Appleton on October 2nd, 1943 to Harvey and Helen Schmidt. Roger was a beloved father, son, husband, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. He grew up in Menasha where he graduated high school in 1961. He married Ann Cotton in 1965 and they had two children (Brian and Kelly). He worked for Zwicker Knitting Mills from 1965 to 1992 when they closed their doors for good. He then worked for 401k Services until he retired in 2008.

There was nothing he loved more than a sports game and he was a devoted fan of the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers until the end. You could always count on Roger for a good joke. He enjoyed golfing, fast-pitch softball, bowling, attending grandkids’ sporting events, ESPN, cruises with Ann and their best friends Sally and Jerry, and a good martini.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Helen Schmidt, his in-laws Robert and Marie Cotton, brother-in-law Edward Lorge, brother-in-law Chuck Cotton, and his best friend Jerry Schuette. He is survived by his wife Ann Schmidt, his children Brian Schmidt and Kelly (Barrett) Miller, his four grandchildren Kayla (Benny) Nowak, Kendra Miller, Kiera Miller (Ryan McShane), Bryson Miller, great-granddaughter Addie, his sisters Karen Lorge, Dorothy (Lenny) Paulowski, and many other loving relatives and friends.

There will be a funeral service to honor and remember Roger on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 129 S. Mason St., Appleton, where Roger was a longtime faithful member. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jon Kuske. The service will be live streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@stmatthewlutheranchurch6810

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in Roger’s name. The family would like to thank Dr. Munson and ThedaCare Hospice for their care and compassion.

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