Richfield, WI – Richard was born on August 8, 1955, (Richfield), to Donald and Bernice (Heinecke) Schmidt. He attended Slinger High School and graduated with the Class of 1974.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Richfield. Richard was a good steward of the land who devoted his life to the family farm, on which he grew up.
When he was younger, Richard would go fishing with his family in the summers and in the winters he would snowmobile around the farmland.
Richard was always a good brother and did many activities with his siblings. Richard and his siblings planted numerous tree seedlings which still stand to this day.
The most important thing to Richard was being able to live his life outside. Richard said he liked being able to wake up with something to look forward to, for Richard this was farming.
He carried the legacy of generations through farming on his shoulders. From planting, to harvest, to taking care of cattle, Richard’s unwavering dedication carried him every day. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and even injured animals.
Richard ensured everything on the farm received the care it needed, even if he had to stay up through the night and nurse calves. In the quiet moments from dawn till dusk, his commitment to farming spoke volumes.
When Richard wasn’t working hard on the farm, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers play each season with his brother, Michael.
Richard and Michael had a special brother relationship, working side by side and doing numerous activities together.
Another activity that Richard enjoyed was bowling, where he participated in a bowling league for many years. He had many lifelong friends with whom he enjoyed visiting, and the visits would sometimes last for hours. Richard valued his friendships deeply and always took an interest in his friends’ lives.
Richard was a very caring individual. He demonstrated patience, strength, and endurance when things were difficult on the farm.
Richard was very proud of his niece Maya. He was always excited to hear about her school, tennis, and activities.
Richard was survived by siblings, Bonnie Kwietniak (Auburn, NY), Michael L. Schmidt (Richfield, WI), Karen Kubsad (Bismarck, ND), brother-in-law Shrikant Kubsad, and niece Maya Kubsad. Richard was preceded in death by Donald & Bernice Schmidt, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Richard will be deeply missed by his brother Michael, Bonnie, Karen, Shrikant, Maya, Elaine & Kenneth, Daryl & Brenda, Leslie, and Uncle Wally. Lifelong friends that will miss Richard are Wally Westphal, Matt Catarozzoli, Marvin & Linda Rate, Linda Scharrer, and the Strupp family.
A Funeral Service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) with Pastor Cathi Manthei presiding.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. Interment Monday, September 23 at 11 a.m. at Washington County Memorial Park.
