Kurt Schmitz

Kurtis J. Schmitz, 79 of Rothschild, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021.

He was born on July 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, son of the late Kurtis and Lila (Kimball) Schmitz.  On June 25, 1960, he married Darlene Lehmann in Milwaukee.  She preceded him in death on October 14, 2019.

Kurt worked for many years at Foreway Express as the VP of Sales and most recently part-time at Enterprise Car Rental.  Over the years, he has also enjoyed working at many Everest sporting events doing anything that needed to be done.  Kurt loved youth sports and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, recitals, concerts and any other activities.  He was on the board of directors for the Everest Youth Football League from 1995 - 2019, a member of the Varsity Chain Gang, and active in drama booster club.    As an involved community member, Kurt proudly received the DC Everest Athletic Wall of Fame Award. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to not only his grandkids, but also to many others. He continued to attend Everest events even when his own family wasn’t involved as he always had someone to watch or cheer on.   His family always came first, with sports shortly after.  If he wasn’t watching sports, he was listening to his beloved old country or gospel music and had attended many concerts over the years.  Kurt was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for over 30 years and was strong in his faith.

Survivors include three daughters, Kris (Dennis) Graun of Wausau, Penny Uekert of Rothschild, and Tricia (David) Johnson of Weston; 14 grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) Fons, Alex (Hannah) Anderson, Stefanie (Kevin Storey) Anderson, Sam (Hannah) Anderson, Bryon (Olivia) Graun, Christy (Brian) Nelson, Michelle (Keith) Stuttgen, Amanda (Eric Newes) Detert, Brooke (Josh Sammons) Detert, Jared (Alex) Graun, Brady Uekert, Sydney Uekert, Shea Johnson, and Gus Johnson; 13 great-grandchildren, Samantha Stuttgen, Maria Stuttgen, Ruari Fons, Jada Jacobson, Luke Pergalski, Christopher Stuttgen, Makayla Pergalski, Danielle Stuttgen, Mia Graun, Camron Storey, Kai Graun, Finnick Newes, and Margot and Frances Anderson; sister-in-law, Collette Lehmann of West Bend; and nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Michael Biksacky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, his wife, Darlene, daughters, Yvonne Anderson and Stacy Schmitz, brother-in-law, Allen Lehmann, sister-in-law, Joyce Lehmann, sister, MaryAnn Biksacky and brother-in-law Richard Biksacky.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Schofield.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, with Rev. Raymond Connor officiating.  Visitation on Monday will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service.  A luncheon will follow the service, and then burial will take place at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.  Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank Mike Habeck for being such a great friend to Kurt.

You may leave messages and condolences for his family at brainardfuneral.com.