Wayne A. Schmidt, 73, Combined Locks passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Cherry Meadows Hospice after being hospitalized at Theda Clark Medical Center for complications resulting from a stroke.

Wayne was born on June 1, 1940 to the late Adolph and Margaret (Gallow) Schmidt. He never forgot his early years of life growing up in rural Dale and he enjoyed visiting with old friends and classmates when he met them.

After moving to the Appleton area he attended Freedom High School. Upon graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force with the Air Police both in the states and overseas. He was proud of his military service and continued to serve today as a member of the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60 of Kimberly where he was the chaplain. He was a member of the Color Guard unit which performs at military funerals. On each Memorial Day, post members placed flags on the graves of those who served in the military and on each Veterans Day the Color Guard unit participated in area military programs.

Wayne was employed at Thilmany/International Paper in the pulp handling department and as a safety advocate. He retired in 2003 after 45 years of service.

He married Judy Voeks of Black Creek on June 22, 1963 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have been "best friends" since high school and they were married after he completed his Air Force duty and she completed her nursing education. Wayne has been a Lutheran church member all his life. From his Baptism and Confirmation in Dale, to churches in the Appleton area, to his burial service at Riverview, he remained faithful to God and the church.

Family activities meant a great deal to Wayne. He attended many sporting events, especially those in which the grandchildren were involved. He looked forward to deer hunting every year with family. He usually could be found doing yard work or working on some woodworking project. He looked forward to the breakfasts with his friends from Freedom and his fellow co-workers of many years. He was an avid walker and biker and enjoyed visiting with anyone he encountered on his daily routes. He and Judy enjoyed their many vacations throughout the US over the years and usually spent some time in Door County every summer. One of their favorite pastimes together was just sitting on their back porch for relaxation.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; two sons, Steve Schmidt of New London and Dan Schmidt of Kaukauna; three daughters, Diane (Brian) Lampert and their children Connor and Forrest of Appleton, Kathy (Ron) Erickson and their children Jessica and Bradley of Kimberly and Carrie (Phil) Van Thiel and their children Ethan, Wesley, Tate, Ryder, and Quinn of Combined Locks; one brother, Orland (Sharon) Schmidt of Appleton; two sisters, Mary Schmidt of Little Chute and Elaine
(Tom) Bartel of Appleton; one sister-in law, Janet Voeks of Appleton and one brother-in law, Gerald Voeks of Black Creek and numerous nieces and nephews.
Proceeding Wayne in death were his parents; one sister and brother-in law, Audrey and Bill Meyer; one niece, Sallie Meyer; his father and mother-in law, Norbert and Clara Voeks (Rohloff).

Friends may call at RIVERVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH (136 W. Seymour St. Appleton) on Monday, December 2, 2013 from 9 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM with Pastors Dennis Belter and Adam Bode officiating. Burial will take place Monday at Highland Memorial Park at 2 PM where military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post 60 of Kimberly. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Riverview Lutheran Church. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Theda Clark Medical Center INU and Cherry Meadows Hospice for the loving care and kindness given to Wayne and his family.

Wayne was a loving husband and father and the grandchildren adored their "Grandpa". His family will truly miss him, as will his many friends.