Wayne Robert Frederick Schmidt, age72, was born to Alice and Martin Schmidt in Bloomington, WI, on May 28th, 1951. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1969, then earned an Associate Degree in Business in LaCrosse, WI.
Wayne moved to Florida and owned and operated a John Deere Implement Dealership until diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the early 1990’s forced his retirement. Wayne continued to reside in Florida until January, 2020, when he moved to Elkader Care Center in Elkader, IA, where he happily resided until his death on December 12th, 2023, at peace and surrounded by love.
Wayne loved his family, friends, children, warm weather, the beach, horses, and his pet dogs. He enjoyed country music, sports (especially the Green Bay Packers), Gatorade, and joking with family and staff at Elkader Care Center, which he treasured as home. His faith was very important to him and he often prayed the rosary, and created rosaries for mission use.
Wayne is survived by his siblings: Roger (wife Deborah), Elkader, IA; Judy (husband Terry Stewart), Dubuque, IA; Gary (wife Deb), Mt. Hope, WI; Ron (wife Deanne), Potosi, WI, Christine, Cuba City, WI; Mark (wife Ellie), Bloomington, WI; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews,; his Aunt Betty D’Agnolo, Rockford, IL; many cousins; and his ex-wife and best friend Jean Larson., Minneapolis, MN.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Alice Schmidt, his brother Frank, infant brother Donald and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Mass of Remembrance and a Celebration of Life will be held in Wisconsin in the spring.
Wayne’s family would like to thank the staff at Elkader Care Center for their kind care of Wayne and friendship to him, as he considered them as family, also, St. Croix Hospice for their help the last two weeks of Wayne’s life. Memorials in Wayne’s honor can be given to your favorite charity.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.