Thomas E. Schmidt

Thomas E. Schmidt, 81, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 13th, 2023, while under the care of Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac, WI.

Tom was born on October 27th, 1941, to Gladys (Le Duc) and Everett Schmidt in Chippewa Falls, WI. After graduating from McDonell Memorial High School in 1959, Tom attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he studied chemistry. Choosing UW-Eau Claire not only determined his career path, but led him to meet the first love of his life, Judy (Finn) Schmidt. Judy and Tom were married in Chippewa Falls, WI with the company of friends and family on January 13th, 1962. Tom’s career brought him to Fond du Lac, WI where he worked at Mercury Marine as a metallurgist and eventually led Plant 17 for more than 40 years before his retirement. Tom and Judy built their home in St. Peter, where they raised three children, Peter, David, and Jenny. Always dapper and distinguished with his signature mustache, Tom was known as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. After the passing of his wife Judy in 2009, Tom was fortunate to meet the second love of his life, Kay (Hagel) Schmidt through volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, with whom he spent the rest of his life. 

Tom was an avid photographer who collected cameras spanning the eras and created a darkroom at his home to develop his own film and produce prints. He shared his passion for photography by teaching classes and workshops for all ages at UW-Fond du Lac, leaving a lasting impact on the community and forming lifelong friendships. He showcased many of his images at exhibits over the years and even traveled to Mexico to lead a photography course. His other hobbies included spending time with family, reading the Sunday paper with a hot cup of coffee, and cooking – as evidenced by a spaghetti sauce stain or two on almost every one of his white shirts. While enjoying his hobbies, Tom loved to listen to opera music or a traditional Austrian Waltz. Whether telling a joke or a story from his mischievous childhood, Tom always knew how to captivate an audience or warm someone’s heart with a good laugh.

Tom is survived by his wife Kay, his three children; Peter (Jessica) of Mosinee, WI, David (Yuchun) of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Jenny of Sheboygan, WI, two grandchildren; Katie (Dylan) of Madison, WI and Everett of Sheboygan, WI.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Schmidt; father and mother, Everett and Gladys Schmidt; and sisters, Joanne Lutz and Jeanne Hancock.

Tom will dearly be missed and the many memories made with family, friends, and loved ones will never be forgotten.

Visitation for Tom Schmidt will be from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home in Fond du Lac. Friends may call 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com