Earl M. Schmidt

Earl M. Schmidt 91, Wausau, died Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital following an illness of four weeks. He was born November 9, 1916 in the town of Hamburg, son of the late Arthur and Lillie (Henrichs) Schmidt. He spent his youth in the town of Hamburg where his parents operated the Rib River Cheese Factory. He graduated from Athens High School in 1935. Earl married Mary Lamont in 1936. They joined his parents in operating Schmidts' Bar and Grocery Store in Little Chicago. They continued in their business until 1969. Many long lasting friendships were made during this time. In 1973 he married Gertrude Bungert. During his retirement, he was a ginseng grower in the town of Berlin. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude Schmidt, Wausau; daughter, Judy Schmidt, Appleton, son-in-law, David Howard, Wausau, grandchildren, Susan (Randy) Hahn, Kronenwetter and Jeff Howard, Wausau; great grandson, David J. Howard, Wausau; sister, Elvera Krueger, Wausau; step-daughters, Pat (Dale) Augustine, Athens and Jean (Jim ) Kioski, Superior, grandchildren, Terri (David) Walpole, Superior and Tracy Augustine, Wausau, great grandchildren, Zakk and Tylar Augustine and Ethan, Evan, Kade and Erin Walpole. He is survived by a nephew, Jerome (Audrey) Schmidt, nieces, Sharon Carlsson, Jeanne (Bill) Erdman, and Ann Schmidt and grand nephews and nieces. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lamont, a daughter, Erlyne Howard, a grandson, John Howard and a brother, Lorton (Irene) Schmidt and a nephew Dorian Schmidt. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg. Burial will be in the St. Peter Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Peter Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg. Pallbearers for the service will be Randy Hahn, Tracy Augustine, Gerald Hanke, Jay, Craig and Tom Schmidt. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com