Shane B. Schmidt

Shane B. Schmidt 33, Haymarket, Virginia, formerly of Wausau died Sunday, September 19, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. He was born May 27, 1977 in Wausau, son of Diane (Peters) Schmidt, Wausau and the late Kenneth F. Schmidt. On January 29, 2010 Shane married his wife Joanne. Jo is not just a loving wife but a friend and a special person that Shane loved being around. She meant so much to him that words can't explain. He was a proud and devoted father to Sabrina age 6 and Roman age 4. No father could love their children more than he did. Though he was often gone defending his country the times he spent with his children were priceless and he savored every moment he had with them. Shane proudly serviced his country in United States Marine Corps. Almost from the time he could walk and talk he wanted to become a Marine. He fulfilled that dream by enlisting in August of 1994 before even graduating high school. He left for Marine Boot Camp in August the following year and officially became a member of the USMC on the Marine Corps birthday November 10, 1995. He proudly served his county here and as well as abroad. Shane was with one of the first groups of Marines sent to Afghanistan after the Sept 11th terrorist attacks. He was a man who was going to do the right thing no matter what it cost him. He had incredible strength, character and integrity. Sergeant Shane Schmidt, Scout Sniper Platoon, Chief Scout, United States Marine Corps. Shane served in 1st Battalion 3rd Marines, and 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Infantry Units as the Chief Scout Sniper for both elements. Completing numerous combat tours for each unit within a career that spanned 10 years, Shane protected our nation in many different special operations. He was recognized for combat valiancy as he coordinated helicopter emergency evacuations, indirect fire on enemy positions, and direct sniper fire on enemy personnel during the battle of Kabul to take over the former U.S. Embassy in late 2001. For his actions during the battle, while being attached to an Army Special Forces A Team, Shane received the Navy Commendation Medal with V for Valor. He was decorated highly with many other awards for his expertise and courage in battle and further brought his prowess to the United States Government after leaving the Marine Corps in 2003, where he worked for numerous contracting agencies, remaining in the fight against terrorism with close to 9 years total service in combat zones. His zest for life and the commitment to serving our country is unmatched and hard to replace. Family and friends were very important to him. He had a special bond with his parents. There was nothing he loved more than to tease, and embarrass this sisters, Lisa and Debbie. His nieces and nephews were also the light of his life and he was so very proud of all of them. He had an incredible sense of humor and could make anyone laugh or smile. His friends were numerous and he would do anything for them, Shane enjoyed spending special times with his family during cookouts, campfires and shooting pool and would go out of his way to embarrass any one of them. He had many interests that included hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, was a Black Belt in Karate, and also practiced Brazilian Judi Susu, Mixed Martial Arts. He loved music and loved to dance especially with his Jo Jo. His two constant pals, Beau and Gus were always at his side. Survivors include his wife, Joanne Schmidt, Haymarket, VA., his daughter, Sabrina Schmidt, Marshfield, his son, Roman Schmidt, Marshfield, his mother, Diane Schmidt, Wausau, siblings, Lisa (Doug) Sherfinski and Debbie (John Budnick) Krautkramer, both of Wausau, grandfather, Kenneth Schmidt Sr., Wausau, his nieces and nephews, Casey Teskoski, Jonathon Teskoski and Travis Sherfinski, all of Wausau, Sammy Jo Krautkramer, Wausau, Tanner Schmidt, Shawano, Jacob Ostrowski, Mosinee and Austin Schmidt, Wausau; great nephew, Jayden Duplis, Mosinee; aunts, Carol Quimby, Greenfield, Connie (Steve) Zick, Wausau and Tammy (George) Havlovic, Irma; cousins, Eric (Abby) Quimby and Cole, Raleigh, N.C., Nicole Quimby, Raleigh, N.C., Tiffanie (Ben) Wright and Samantha, Madison, Nick Lewitzke, Merrill and Ben Lewitzke, Green Bay; father and mother-in-law, John Senecal and Maureen McAllister, VA; friends, Elsa Langhoff, Shawano, Chris (Bonnie) Pulise, Aldie, VA., Bob Likes, Shawn (Michelle) Klatt, Paul Kamke, Bob Fisher, Brian Fendos, all of Wausau, Phillip Hoerter, MN, Michael Rice, Wisconsin Dells, Chuck Sheppard, New Orleans, Patricia Smith, Washington D.C., an endless list of Marines and other soldiers he served with; and his two favorite fur people, Beau and Gus. Shane was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth F. Schmidt, his brother, Kenneth E.Schmidt, maternal grandparents, Jean and Edward Peters and paternal grandmother, Maryann Schmidt. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. John Meachen will officiate. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all Shane's friends and family for their compassion and support during this very difficult time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com