Richard Frederick Schmidt

Richard (Dick) Schmidt, 77, of Menasha Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Saint Elizabeth’s hospital, Appleton, surrounded by loving family. In May 2024 he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He was born November 29th, 1946, and is the youngest of two siblings. 

Richard met his love, Beverly, and they were married on October 10th, 1999. Their love was deeply impactful and unconditional. 

Richard worked tirelessly on building gyrocopters, ultralights, airplanes, RC boats and model trains.  A “Jack - of – All – Trades", countless hours spent tinkering in his shop helping any and every friend with their fixes. A mentor to all!! He had a passion for flying and received his pilot's license, and in 1984 was the Grand Champion Pilot of the EAA, Ultralight Convention. 

Dick was employed loyally at We Energies for 40+ years. The warm Florida climate is where he enjoyed retirement, as a snowbird. He was always up for a game of golf with family and friends. Just last winter he was riding his Segway to swap meets, and flea markets. 

Richard is survived by his son; David (Kristina), his stepsons; Bill (Tracy), Kevin (Gina), Jason (Mikki), Dan (Lisa), his grandchildren; Lance (Megan) and MaKenzi, Sage and Lily, Rivers and Ruby, Logan and Lucas, two great grandchildren; Hadley and Avery (Lance), and lifelong friends; Dan & Judy Schuster, Kim (Bob) Sweet, and Al Beyer. He is preceded in death by his father (Herb, Sr.), mother (Nelda), brother (Herb, Jr.), first wife (Mary), son (Craig), and second wife (Beverly). 

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to a charitable Cancer organization in Dick’s honor. 

A Celebration of Life is being held on Friday July 19th, 11:00-2:00 pm, at Wichmann Tri-County Funeral Home (1592 Oneida St., Menasha, WI 54952).