Stephen Schmidt

Stephen “Steve” J. Schmidt, age 69, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital following a strong battle against leukemia. He was born March 2, 1952 in Merrill, Wisconsin, to the late Art and Phyllis (Kleinschmidt) Schmidt.

Steve grew up in the Merrill and Wausau areas where he and his siblings probably raised more Cain than crops on their family farm.  After high school graduation, he went on to NTC for Residential Design.  Steve continued working his whole career in residential design, building and lending, eventually becoming a Regional Lending Manager at Associated Bank, where he retired in the Fall of 2020.  He and his family enjoyed the outdoors, trips to Milwaukee for Brewer games and weekends at the cabin.  Later in life he moved to the “River House”, a place near his childhood home where he took time to enjoy nature and bring family and friends together to share stories, campfires and good times.

Steve enjoyed golfing, fishing, kayaking on the river, taking his kids and grandkids boating, and playing card games – especially cribbage. His greatest joy was spending time with family.  He was the kind of man who prioritized time with family and taking care of them in so many different ways.  He was a cherished “Papa” who made each grandchild feel special and uniquely loved.  A picture of Steve was incomplete without him surrounded by grandkids, family, or friends. He truly loved helping friends and family with home improvements and serving others in any way he could. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his children: Josh (Heather), Matt (Lisa), all of Kronenwetter, and Tim (Kelley), of Stevens Point; seven grandchildren: Mekiya, Triton, Kierra, Katia, Kate, Anna and Carter Schmidt; brothers: Dennis, Mike, Gerald, Randy, Tom, Dick, and Kevin Schmidt; sisters: Polly Malik, Patty Reynolds, Brenda and Michelle Schmidt; and many, many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Road NN, Wausau, WI 54401. Pastor Justin Smoot will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Waid Funeral Home, 301 S. Eagle Drive, Merrill, and again from 10 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Masks are required for the visitation and service at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.waidfuneral.com to leave condolences or words of comfort for the family.  Any memorial funds will be directed towards St. Andrew Lutheran Church and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Fund in Nickole Schmidt-VanHecker’s name.