Fourth Generation

58. Leonard Paul SCHMIEDER was born on 17 March 1918 in Adrian Township, Monroe County, WI.^17,51 He appeared in the census in 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹¹ He died on 8 January 2011 at the age of 92.⁵¹

Obituary Notes: "The shepherd has called another member of his flock. Leonard Paul Patrick Schmieder, 92, of Tomah, Wis., left this world for everlasting life on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. The world first met Leonard on March 17, 1918, in a farmhouse in Adrian, Wis. His parents Edward J. and Matilda “Tilly” (Repka) Schmieder instilled in him from a young age the value of a day’s hard work and a faith in our lord that would carry him through this great journey we call life. On May 21, 1942, Leonard answered our nation’s call and enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Sheridan, Ill., and was stationed at Camp Bowie with the 156th Infantry and 1853rd Quartermaster. During this time the world first discovered what a large heart he had when he had his first heart attack. Despite this, Leonard chose to continue to serve his country in a stateside POW camp. After an honorable discharge from the armed forces, Leonard took up the art of butter making at the Tomah and Sparta creameries from 1945 to 1960. During this time, he married Elreda Fischer in 1950. After his tenure of excellence at the creameries, the VA Medical Center in Tomah was next to appreciate his hard work ethic and friendly smile. He worked several different jobs at the VA from 1960 to 1978 as an employee and from 1978 until 2010 as a volunteer and received many awards for his charismatic service. Leonard also did custodial work for Breitenfield Law Office in Tomah for many years. He was also a member for life in the American Legion Post 201 in Tomah since 1968 and served proudly at his post of Sergeant at Arms for 17 years. His membership with the DAV organization was also an important association to him as well his position as a charter member of the Tomah Memorial Hospital. As long as anyone can remember, he has enjoyed the Friday night fish fry and long, scenic drives in the country with his family and friends. He also looked forward everyday to spending time and playing bingo with all of his friends at the senior center. Leonard’s life of service also included the one whom he was closest to, the father, the son, and the holy spirit. His steadfast faith for 92 years allowed him to serve St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomah as an usher for over 78 years, missing Mass only twice during all of those years; both were for open heart surgeries. He served as a Third Degree Knight and later in life, an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. His faithful bond of brotherhood with the Knights of Columbus will follow him through the gates of heaven.

He will be greatly missed by his son Patrick “Pat” Schmieder of Valley, Wis.; three daughters, Kathy (Bruce) Fischer and Susan (Victor) Gottbeheat both of Tomah and Linda Schmieder of De Soto, two stepchildren, Jerry Marciniak of Tomah and Elreda (Stan) Williams of Oakdale; nine grandchildren, Heather (Marty) Wilcox, J.P. Naniga, Katlyn (Justin) Pritchett, Link Gottbeheat, Ryan Fischer, Jonathan (Marissa) Gottbeheat, Lindsey Schmieder, James Williams and Vicki (Brian) Backus; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. His love for them is unconditional and will always follow them wherever they go.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Matilda; three brothers, George, Edward and Archie; three sisters, Gertrude, Margaret “Peg” and Jane.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 303 W. Monroe Street, Tomah. The Very Reverend Edward Shuttleworth will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors by Grassman-Sowle-Larsen-Senz American Legion Post #201. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah, and on Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Father Ivan Torres will lead the Knights of Columbus rosary on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leonard lived a life of service to his lord and savior Jesus Christ, his family, his country, and his friends. We should all strive to be great in our lifetimes just as Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa “Pat” did.

Just as we all rejoiced when he was granted the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. on the Freedom Honor Flight for World War II veterans, we should rejoice even more for the journey he has been preparing to take for over 92 years. The journey home.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” -1 Corinthians 2:9."

Leonard Paul SCHMIEDER and Elreda Ellen FISHER were married in 1950.^37,51 Elreda Ellen FISHER was born on 11 July 1920 in Monroe County, WI.¹⁷

Leonard Paul SCHMIEDER and Elreda Ellen FISHER had the following children: