| Graduation Year | Class of 1959 |
| Date of Birth | Mar 16, 1941 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 21, 2023 |
| About | (no additional information) |
| Events | Ralph Herbert Schmidt received the answer for his discomfort with a late-stage diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Mucinous Adenocarcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer. After a short period of acceptance, Ralph prepared for the Lord to call him home and surrounded by the love and support of his family passed on to his heavenly home on November 21st, 2023. Ralph was born March 16th, 1941, in the Township of Clyman to Roland and Esther (Fuchs) Schmidt. Ralph was the second oldest of the family called "The Schmidt Dozen". Ralph graduated from Watertown High School in 1959. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1960-1965. Ralph found love and married Arlene Marie Holz on September 24th, 1960 at St. Mark’s in Watertown. Ralph lived a life of service. Service to God, his country, his family and his community. Ralph used his time and talents professionally as a service maintenance technician, but was also the handy man on call to many. In retirement he found his way to Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum in Fountain City, WI. Here, Ralph formed a fast friendship with Elmer Duellman. Ralph was most happy when he was on the lawn mower tending to the grounds overlooking the Mississippi River or handing out Hot Wheels to kids visiting the Toy Museum. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents, sister Debbra Paul, Brother-In-Law Eugene Genz, Sister-In-Law Judy Schmidt and dear friend Elmer Duellman. He is survived by his children Daniel (Debbie) Schmidt, Kathy Haley, Tracy Robinson and Mark (Jodi) Schmidt. 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Siblings: Bill (Phyllis) Schmidt, Bob (Inez) Schmidt, Paul (Sharon) Schmidt, Herb (Pat) Schmidt, Russ (Marlis) Schmidt, Dave Schmidt, Fred (Laura) Schmidt, Marie (Bob) Kasubaski, Barb (Leonard) Reinke, Brenda (Tim) Grams, Brother-in-Law Mike (Cindy) Paul; “Adopted” Fountain City Family: Bernadette Duellman, Les Duellman, Rick Duellman, Brad Duellman, Melissa Baker, Eric Duellman and Amanda McKitty. Plus special friend Herman. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, November 24th at 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Hafemeister Funeral Home (611 E. Main St.) in Watertown. Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, November 25th, at 3:00pm at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (615 Jones St.) in Watertown with Rev. Karl Walther officiating. Visitation will be available preceding the service from 2 p.m. and lunch will follow. An additional memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s Church (38 N. Hill St., Fountain City) on December 2nd at 2:00pm. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to Lakeside Lutheran High School. Inurnment will take place at Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com. |
