Herbert G. Schmidt

Herbert George Schmidt, 83, of La Crosse, left his earthly life on Sunday, April 15^th, 2012.

 

He was born on October 25, 1928 in LaCrosse, to the late Casper and Sophie Schmidt.  He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1946.  On October 14^th, 1950, Herb married the love of his life, Lucille Hess, who recently passed away on March 8^th, 2012 after 61 years of marriage.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Rudy and Ed Schmidt, a sister-in-law Margaret Schmidt, and his five children: Cathy (Jim) Jambois, Tom (Gay Lynn) Schmidt, Mary (Dan) Johnson, Joe (Nancy) Schmidt, Karen (John) Case.  Eleven grandchildren: John (Becca ) Jambois, Ann Jambois, David and Stephan Schmidt, Matthew, Michael and Jacob Johnson¸ Brian (Tracy) Johnston, Angela (Chad) Clark and Colleen and Scott Case.  Four great-grandchildren: Shelby and Charlotte Johnston and Morgan and Landon Clark and another to be born in the near future.   The activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy. He is further survived by members of Lucille’s family:  MaryAnn (George) Rogers, a sister-in-law Gerri Hess, Lois (Jean) Mullendorf, Ron (MaryRose) Hess, Beverly (Pat) Watson, Terry (Sandy) Hess.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

 

In addition to his wife Lucille, Herb was preceded in death by his son, Randy, an infant daughter, Laura; his parents, Casper and Sophie Schmidt, brother, Walter and in-laws Judy Schmidt, Mary Ellen Schmidt, Daniel Hess, Paul and Dorothy Hess, and a niece Julie Hess. 

 

Herb was well known for his sense of adventure and travel.  He started his career at Joseph Miller Company and then went on to drive a truck for Ed Phillips and Sons.  It was the perfect job for his outdoor spirit and love of driving.  He enjoyed his daily routes and customers around Southwestern Wisconsin. Herb had a great sense of adventure and a love of travel.  As soon as one trip was over, he would start researching and planning the next adventure.  He never liked to travel the same route, always wanting to explore different vistas.  While his travels took him around the world, the best place for Herb was in front of the open fire, with a good cigar, his wife, family and friends. 

 

 

He was extraordinarily honest and had an iron-clad grip on the difference between right and wrong. He was very good with a dollar, was fair with people, fun loving and a devoted husband and father. He lived his life with a servant heart, serving in his church, the community through Meals on Wheels and by sponsoring children from under-developed countries.  He served as a great role model in life and his presence and influence will be felt well into the future.

 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 21st at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13^th Street, La Crosse.  Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate with entombment to be in the Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.  The family will greet family and friends on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a prayer service and reflections at 6:30 pm.  at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave, La Crosse. There will be a visitation from 10:00 -10:30 am Saturday at the church.  Memorials, if desired, may be made to the memorial of your choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com.