James E. Schmidt, of Sherwood, age 81, went to his heavenly home on Friday, December 17, 2010 at Parkside Care Center, Little Chute, due to complications of Alzheimers, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Sherwood on August 10, 1929, son of the late Arthur & Alvina (Russ) Schmidt. He graduated from Kaukauna High School, class of 1947. On June 17, 1950, Jim married his one and only love Jean Ott at Zion United Methodist Church, Forest Junction. The couple just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Jim was a volunteer firefighter for the Harrison #1 Department. He also started Boy Scout Troop 62 of Sherwood. He continued to serve with the Boy Scouts for 40 years, 30 of those years as a Scout Master, earning the adult scouting honor of The Silver Beaver Award. Jim was also a counselor at Camp Gardner Dam. There are not many men that can say they had one night out a week with the boys for 30 years with his wifes blessing. Jim was always a great baseball fan, and he coached both Little League and Babe Ruth teams. He also volunteered his time and tools working with the Sherwood Wide Awake 4-H Band. Jim helped build many bird houses which are in various places at Calumet County and Ledgeview Parks. His faith in Christ was pivotal in his life. He served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. He also served on several church committees at Zion United Methodist Church. Jims love of music, from polka to country western, to hymns and gospel, was shared through singing in the church choir as well as playing his trumpet in the Sherwood Wide Awake Band, the Kaukauna High School Band, and the Wayside-Morrison Marching Band. After retiring, Jim continued to volunteer in his community through the Sherwood Lions Club. He also served in various capacities for the Calumet County Fair. Jim spent his years of employment at the Wisconsin Wireworks, Badger Northland, Mader Sales and Service, and after retirement, Looks True Value and Piggly Wiggly. Jim is survived by his wife: Jean, Sherwood; their children and families: son: Don (Sharon), Hilbert and their children and grandchild: Bryan (Julie) and Morgan, Tracey (fiance Nick Schmoll), Andrea (special friend Aaron Bare); daughter: Cindy (Jeff) Von Dyn Hoven, Kaukauna and their children and grandchildren: Benjamin (Amy) and Madalyn and Reid, Nathan (Cathy), Nels (Heidi), Samuel (Kristen); daughter: Vicki (Kit ) Indermuehle, Mukwonago, and their children: Michelle (Brian) Nabak, Katie, Rebekah; son: James T. Tim Schmidt, Menasha, his child: Zachary (Jessica); son: Todd (Janet) Schmidt, Pulaski, and their children: Olivia and Julia; and daughter: Jodi (Joseph) Lucas, Waukesha, and their children: Annabelle and Clare; a brother and two sisters-in-law: George (Jill) Schmidt, Denver, CO and Armella Schimidt, Green Bay; sister: Elaine (Warren) Koffarnus-Giese, Sauk City; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Silas (Adeline) Ott, Menasha, Robert Von Haden, Wrightstown, Helen Krasniewski, Appleton; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death are brothers, sister, a sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Arthur Schmidt, Gerald (Mary) Schmidt, Anna (Calvin Bates) (Floyd) Morrow, Delores Schmidt, Gerald Koffarnus, mother-in-law and father-in-law: Frank & Ada (Broehm) Ott, brothers-in-law: Kenneth Ott, Frank Krasniewski, sisters-in-law: Doris Ott and Betty Von Haden. Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Zion United Methodist Church, Forest Junction. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Becky Kindschi with burial to follow at a later date. Family and friends may call at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 5:00 p.m. The Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkside Care Center and Theda Care Hospice for their compassionate care and support. A memorial fund will be established in James name. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
