Walter John Schmidt, 74, Summerfield, FL, passed from this life Friday, February 13, 2015 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving wife at his side. Born in Milwaukee, WI he was the son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Babington) Schmidt. Walter was a guidance counselor for the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. He moved to Summerfield, FL from Brookfield, WI in 2003. Walter was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Candler and was a chorister and Eucharistic Minister. He played softball in the Travel League and in the Del Webb Intramurals and enjoyed golf. Walter was a member of the Natures Explorers and the German-American Club of Del Webb. He was a patron of the arts in Milwaukee and Ocala. Hel loved to travel with trips to Rome, France, Switzerland and the Holy Land as part of his experiences. Most of all Walt enjoyed his time with family and friends. When not riding around in his golf cart with Em and Molson, he enjoyed working crossword puzzles and watching his favorite sport teams compete. He made many trips to Wisconsin to summer with loved ones, celebrate holidays and enjoy the outdoors. Walter leaves his wife of 18 years, Emilie Schmidt, daughter, Kelly Schmitz (Bill) of Mukwonago, WI, son, Derek Schmidt (Annissa) of Waukesha, WI, step-daughters, Kristine Lyon of Beaver Dam, WI, Lisa Hinke (Scott) of Waukesha, WI, step-son, Brian Gutgesell of Beaver Dam, WI, sisters, Kathleen Arndt of Merton, WI, Karen Rebarchik of Granbury,Texas, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and his beloved Golden Retriever “Molson”. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Alice Rosandick and Jean Holder. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Candler, at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 12 noon until service time. Burial will be at a later date in Beaver Dam, WI. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make memorial donations to Hospice of Marion County and Humane Society of Marion County in remembrance of Walt.
