Jerome J. "Jerry" Schmidt, Kaukauna, age 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed Friday, September 29, 2017 at Appleton Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born in the Town of Buchanan on June 5, 1930 to the late Frank and Marie (Hartzheim) Schmidt.

On June 14, 1951 he married his soulmate, Audrey Bevers. They met at Romy's Nitingale, he took the girl out of the city and they thrived in the country raising ten children. Jerome operated Schmidt Brothers Dairy Farm with his brother Lawrence and later Sunrise Dairy with his sons Michael and Steve. Jerry was devoted to his family and treasured time spent with them. The tenderness and patience he exhibited every day with his wife Audrey, as her memory failed, was a true testament to his character and devotion to his family. Jerry enjoyed playing cards for many years with card club friends and with anyone who was willing. Jerry was a member of the Lions club and volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul and St. Paul Elder Services.

He was blessed to have found love again with Lorraine Miller. They married on November 28, 2015. In their short time together, they had many memorable moments with family and friends here and in Florida.

Jerome is survived by his children: Nancy (Dennis) Lauer, Appleton; Michael Schmidt (Michele Tourville), Kaukauna; Daniel (Ria) Schmidt, Bloomington, IL; Karen (Pat) Wickesberg, Appleton; Barbara Schmidt, Madison; LuAnn (Mark) Langenhuizen, Kimberly; Steve (Robin) Schmidt, Kaukauna; Bob (Janice) Schmidt, De Pere; Amy Basten(Jeff Ujazdowski), Appleton; and Lynn (Gary) Hoffman, Sherwood; stepchildren: Kathy (Ron) Schreiber, Louis (Clare) Miller; grandchildren: Laura Bell (fiancée Larry Koch), Jenny (Nick) Brautigam, Katie (Jon) Fuller, Jenna (Ryan) Coleman, Jason (Jeannie), Jodi and Joel Wickesberg, Andrew Dercks, Emily (Zach) Gohr, Leah Dercks (Chris Paul), George and Lee Langenhuizen, Sara (Jake) Warrens, Audrey (Tony) Shannon, Tyler Kamps, Alex, Casey and Erika Hoffman, Henry, Ross, Cydney, Zach, Anya, Doug, Jordan and Lauren Schmidt; 20 great grandchildren; step grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer (Jason) Laffin, Ronald (Katie) Schreiber, Ross Miller and Lauren Miller; and 3 step great grandchildren. He is also survived by: sisters-in-law: Rose and Eunice Schmidt; Linda (Mark) Hietpas; Sally and Nancy Bevers; brothers-in-law: Wes (Marge) and Mike (Darlene) Bevers; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his wife Audrey; wife Lorraine; his sister, Agnes (Ray) Bies; brothers: Lawrence (Loretta), Leo (Florence), Gerald (Marcella), Norbert (Lucina), Francis and Alfred; brothers and sisters-in-law: Orville (Ruth), Jesse and Dave Bevers; Eunice (Woody) McCabe; Vivian (Marv) Skalmusky; and Carol Bevers.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 2, 2017 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. FRANCIS CHURCH (433 County Road CE, Hollandtown) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.   The Rev. Willard Vande Loo will officiate. Committal St. Francis Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

In memory of Jerome Schmidt, the family requests that a donation be made to St. Paul Elder Services in his honor.

We would like to extend a thank you to the staff at St. Paul's Elder Services and Appleton Medical Center.

He was loved and he will be missed!