Obituary: Roger W. Schmitt

Roger W. Schmitt, age 94, of Hilbert, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Westhaven in Brillion.  He was born March 16, 1932 in Hilbert, son of the late Walter & Cora (Rolf) Schmitt and was raised on the family farmstead.  On September 12, 1953, Roger married Ann Brehmer at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton; she preceded him in death on March 28, 2013.

Having been raised on his family farm, Roger learned the value of a hard day’s work and a passion for everything that transpired on the farm.  He devoted his whole life to this vocation tending to his cows and the land that he loved.  With such drive, Roger didn’t have much time for hobbies, but he looked forward to sitting down to watch his beloved Green Bay Packers and would never pass up an opportunity to play hand after hand of Sheepshead with his friends in their card clubs.  

Roger was devoted to his family with an ever steady and calm word of encouragement or correction.  When his grandchildren began arriving in his life, Roger turned a lot of his affection and concern to their every need.  There wasn’t anything that they could ask for that he would say “no” to.  It was not uncommon for him to be found with them by his side walking, riding bikes, or simply enjoying each others company.  He was truly the best man a child or grandchild could possibly ask for.  

With his dry sense of humor, Roger was quick witted with a funny retort to other people or situations.  He will always be remembered as a mellow, even keeled individual.

Survivors include his children: Sandy (Romy) Giese, Sharon Fredrick, Laura (Randy) Purifoy, Julie (Glen) Schaffer; daughter-in-law: Brenda (Bob) VanDaalwyk; 10 grandchildren: Michelle (Pete), Matt (Christa), Andrew (Anna) Jordan, Chelsea (Tim), Damarr (Latreace), Justin, Adam (Brianna), Lexie (Tim), Bryse (significant other, Emma); 16 great grandchildren; his siblings: Myrna Liethen, Terry (Carol) Schmitt, Randy Schmitt, Linda (David) Kieso; and his siblings-in-law: Violet (Bill) Vincent & David (Rose) Brehmer.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Ann; his son: Douglas Schmitt; his son-in-law: Bruce Fredrick; a great grandchild: Aubrey; and his siblings-in-law: Bill Liethen & Jill Schmitt.  

Funeral service will be at 5:30 pm on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton.  A time of visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday, November 9, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 5:15 pm.  At the time of service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

Roger’s family would like to extend a warm ‘Thank You’ to the entire staff of Copperstone Assisted Living in Neenah, everyone at Westhaven in Brillion, and all of the nurses and care takers from Calumet County Home Care and Hospice, especially Holly, for all of the love and care that was shown to Roger as well as his entire family.