Obit: Schmitz, Leroy Clarence #2 (1931 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bauer, Kopf, Meacham, Schmitz, Tesmer, Trachte

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 4/16/2015

Schmitz, Leroy Clarence (10 SEP 1931 - 15 APR 2015)

Former Rib Lake resident Leroy Clarence Schmitz, 83, Greenwood, died while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 15 at his home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 18 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Loyal, with Rev. Steve Brice officiating. Burial will be at St. Stephen's Catholic Cemetery in Chili at a later date. Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal assisted the family with arrangements.

Leroy Schmitz was born on Sept. 10, 1931 in the town of Fremont, Clark County, to the late William and Adelia (Kopf) Schmitz. He was raised on the family farm, received his education at Heathville Country School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1949. After high school, he worked at Barr Minkery before joining the Wisconsin National Guard.

On Aug. 30, 1954 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stratford, he married Audrey Mae Bauer, who preceded him in death on Aug. 10, 1995. He took over the operation of the family farm in 1954 and farmed until 1980. They then moved to the Stone Lake/Spirit area where they owned and operated L&A Resort until retiring in 1986 and moving to Rib Lake. He moved to Greenwood in 2012.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Lions Club, Chili Sportsman's Club and National Farmer's Organization in which he held various offices. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trips to Canada, gardening, playing cards and cribbage, watching most all sports and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include eight children, Janet Meacham of Greenwood, Randall (Kathy) Schmitz and Rodney Schmitz, both of Loyal, Julie (Allan) Trachte of Rhinelander, Rick Schmitz and Peter Schmitz, both of Rib Lake, Paul (Bonnie) Schmitz of Ayton, Ontario, Canada, and Patti Schmitz (Karri Gorton) of Tomahawk; two brothers, Marlin "Coon" (Virginia) Schmitz of Granton and Gary Schmitz of Spencer; 12 grandchildren, Jenny Lee, Chanda, Kristie, Rory, Shena, Joe, Kelly, Heather, Kelsi, Taylor, Tyler and Cody; four step-grandchildren, Ryan, Brock, Dustin and Kailey; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Tesmer, and a brother, Russell "Bud" Schmitz.

Online condolences may be made at www.cuddiefh.com.