Ralph Schmidt
Ralph Schmidt, “Mr. Incredible,” 71, Neillsville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec. 4, 2024. Ralph was known for his deep love of family, farming, hunting, fishing and sheepshead – passions that shaped his life and his character. He also cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed activities like camping, biking and escaping the cold winters by traveling to warmer states. Ralph was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work and adventure.
Ralph was born to Joseph and Josephine (Wenner) Schmidt on July 19, 1953, at Neillsville Memorial Hospital. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1971. He married Karline Radue on April 5, 1975. He worked on the family farm, taking it over in 1978. In October 2014, he sold the cows and continued to cash crop until his death.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karline; his five children: Tracy (Denny) Jakobi of Granton, Keith (Danielle) Schmidt of Spencer, Wendy Bartz (Trent Bohnsack) of Jordan, Minn., Karrie (Josh) Kaiser of Granton, and Craig Schmidt (Jessica Pionek) of Granton; his 12 grandchildren: Brandon (Rhiannon), Isaac (Aspen), Mallory and Kelcy Jakobi (Tracy), Devyn, Qwyntyn and Adryan Schmidt (Keith), Dylan and Sidney Bartz (Wendy), Kylie and Mason Gilmore (Karrie), and Silas Konkol-Schmidt (Craig); four sisters: Arlene (Gil) Layton, Mary (Gordy) Smith, Carolyn (Jim) Foote and Lorie (Tim) Thoma; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Schmidt; his inlaws, Edward and Anita Radue; his brother, Richard Schmidt; his sister, Yvonne Lezotte, his brother-in-law, Alvin Lezotte; and other family and friends who will always hold him in their hearts.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at W2894 Granton Rd, Granton. Pastor Daniel Schoessow will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday morning prior to the service at the church. The honor of pallbearer belongs to his grandsons: Qwyntyn Schmidt, Devyn Schmidt, Adryan Schmidt and Isaac Jakobi. Honorary pallbearers are Dylan Bartz, Brandon Jakobi, Mason Gilmore and Silas Schmidt.
He will be missed deeply by all who knew him, but his love for family and his joyful spirit will live on in their hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.
PAID OBITUARY 162143
