Kenneth Frank Schmidt

Schmidt, Kenneth F.
Appleton
Age 84, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2003 at his home. He was born on June 4, 1919 in Milwaukee, the son of the late Frank and Jennie Louise (Ehrgott) Schmidt. When Ken was in the fourth grade, he met his future bride, Helen Marie Koester. Throughout the following years it was not uncommon for him to ride his bike 100 miles from Milwaukee to see her. On May 14, 1941 they were married in Appleton. Ken was the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the Appleton Public School System for 28 years. He designed and built the Pickett Football Field which was dedicated to his good friend William Pickett. Ken was a lover of life. He blessed us with his many talents: pumpkin carving, building things, and having the warmest, shiniest “ool” in town. He loved flying kites, sailing, and “the 40”. Ken amazed us with his unconditional unending love.
Ken and Helen’s love blossomed into four wonderful children: a son and daughter-in-law Walter and Michelle Schmidt, New London and their children; Wendy and Peter Lauer and their children: Dorea, Caleb, Eryka, and April; Andrew and Abby Schmidt; Timothy and Wendy Schmidt and their children: Katelyn, Maddie, and Hailey; a son Robert Schmidt and his special friend Esther Rosenau, Greenville, and Bob’s son Steven Schmidt and friend Stacy; a daughter and son-in-law Kay and Greg Forton, Greenville, and their children; Gwen and Joseph Sargeant and their son Joseph II; Brad and Sarah Hinzman, Nadine Forton and friend Rob, Erin Forton and friend Scott; a daughter Kathy Mallmann of Greenville, and her special friend Bonnie Holtz and Kathy’s children: Sam and Jenny Mallmann, and Jesse Mallmann and fiancé Kelly Kriesel. Ken is also survived by a very special love Emily Knuth, Shawano and her children Bill and Cookie, Rhonda and Tom, Lori; and a special friend of Ken’s, Larry; his brothers and sisters-in-law Burton Schmidt, Appleton, James and Jo Schmidt of Colorado, Junior and Mary Joyce Koester, Menasha, Lida Schmidt, Iowa, and Lois Schmidt, Holmen, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews including a special nephew Dick Schmidt. He will be missed also by his incredible neighbors, Dave and Margaret Johnson, and their children Jeff and Katie; friends M.C. Blessing and Larry Seidl and their families, Clarence and Helen Sturm, Elmer Fischer, and the First Avenue Swimmers.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 2000, his sister and brother-in-law Janet and Bert Wagner, brothers Marvin Schmidt, Edward Schmidt, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Caroline and Henry Staedt.
A memorial service for Ken will be conducted on Friday, November 7, 2003 at 6:30 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3009 North Meade Street with the Rev. Dennis Ellisen officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 5:30 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Steinlage and his nurse Missy and Theda Care Hospice, Suzi for all of their kindness. Their care and support made Dad’s journey exactly what he wanted – respectful.