January 15, 2024 – Washington Co, WI – Rudolph Karl Scharschmidt died on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Rudy, as he preferred to be called, was born October 25, 1928, on a farm in Oakfield, Wisconsin, to Felix and Elsie (Grams)Scharschmidt, the 6th of their eight children. When he was 11, the family moved to Markesan, WI, where he attended high school and graduated in 1946.
After graduation, he joined the US Army. He served as a motion picture photographer with the Army of Registration Corps, establishing permanent cemeteries in France and Luxembourg. After discharge, he joined the Army Reserve and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant.
He enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and obtained an MS in food science in 1954.
He was employed for 38 years with General Foods Corp (which later became Phillip Morris and Kraft Foods) as a laboratory manager in food product development. He was granted eight patents for food products and processing during his employment.
In 1954, he met the love of his life, Virginia Smith of Charlevoix, at an MSU versus U of Wisconsin football game. They began a friendly rivalry each autumn regarding the outcome of that contest. In 1956, he married Virginia, and together they raised three daughters: Cynthia (William) of Milwaukee, WI, Kara (Joseph) of San Diego, CA, and Melinda (David) of Grand Rapids, MI.
Rudy is survived by his wife Virginia, their daughters and husbands; grandchildren, Jack, Ruby, Sara, and Anthony; two brothers, Richard Scharschmidt and John Scharschmidt; and two sisters, Fran Kaul and Betty Warnke. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie and Felicia, a brother, Felix Jr, and his parents, Felix Sr. and Elsie. He served as president of Toastmasters for two years and was active in SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. He served as president for three years and was a member of the Tuolumne, CA Woodworkers, where he served on the board and contributed pieces to their annual show. He enjoyed making copies of antique clocks and other furniture, which he gave to family and charity.
After retiring to Charlevoix, he became active in the Historical Society, using his woodworking skills to help preserve the railroad depot and Harsha House Museum. He was a member of the Congregation Church, serving on its board and committees.
In 2017, he and Virginia returned to his beloved Wisconsin.
No services will be held at this time.
