Clifford J. Schmidt

Clifford J. Schmidt, age 90, of Kaukauna, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at St. Elizabeth Hospital on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. He was born in Kaukauna on February 26, 1927, son of the late John and Hattie (Van Asten) Schmidt. Cliff married Rita Van Camp on January 30, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West Depere, and the ceremony was officiated by Reverend B.H. Pennings.

Cliff was a dedicated farmer for his whole life, receiving several awards including the 1976 Orrin Meyer ARC-DHIA Production Award and the Century Farm Award. He was very proud of his farming accomplishments. Cliff was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church (where he was an usher and a greeter), the Lions Club, the Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus and the Homemakers. He was an avid fisherman, great bowler and golfer in his senior men’s golf leagues. He was very proud of his large family, especially his 29 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Cliff is survived by his beloved wife Rita of 66 years; his children: James (Donna), Linda (Steve) Lamers, Alois (Cindy), Retired Colonel Sandra (Willie) Schmidt-Berringer, Elizabeth (Gary) Van Abel, Gail (Joseph) Dercks, Carol Dodero, Mary (Tim) Rollo, John (Lynn) and Joan (Bill) Roberts; 29 grandchildren: Rhonda (Mike) Kaminski, Jason Schmidt, Rachelle (Josh) Nisleit, Scott (Kristy) Lamers, Laura (Ken) Hayes, Amanda (Bill) Doucette, Bryan (Jessica) Schmidt, Leanne (Mike) Kavanaugh, Ryan (Becky) Schmidt, Matthias, Cieara and Mekayla Berringer, Carolyn (Kyle) Coleman, Mary (David) Lenz, Michael Van Abel, Rick Dercks, Megan (Rick) Schmoll, Carrie (Joe) VanDaalwyk, Angela (Matt) Macumber, Vincent and Mariah Dodero, Nicholas, Curtis and Thomas Rollo, Tyler and Parker Schmidt, Joe, Alicia and Jessica Roberts; 33 great-grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Vincent (Rose) Schmidt; sisters: Mary Rose (John) Lepak, Dolores Schmidt and Rita Nelessen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Theresa Schmidt, Lillian Vissers, Marge Calaway, Mary Ann (Bob) Miller and Nancy Van Camp; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hattie; brothers: Joseph, Richard and Alois “Buddy” Schmidt; a sister, Anaceil (Pat) Randerson; mother and father-in-law: John and Minnie (Vanden Heuvel) Van Camp; brothers and sisters-in-law: David Head, Jim Nelessen, Virgil Van Camp, Bernard Vissers, Alvin (La Verne) Van Camp, Fabian (Audrey) Van Camp, Cyril Van Camp, Kenneth (Barb) Van Camp and Delores (Bernard) Albers.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017, at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, St. Francis Catholic Church, 433 County Road CE, Hollandtown, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Willard Van De Loo officiating and Deacon Steve Vande Hey assisting. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

The Schmidt family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital for all of the care, compassion and understanding. 

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