Ronald Lee Schmidt

Please click on the link below to watch the funeral service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku10KZ1SLBc Ronald Lee Schmidt, age 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at home in Gotham, WI. He was born on August 20, 1939, the son of Leonard Robert & Gladys Donnie (Schweiger) Schmidt in Clifford Township, Monroe County, WI. He married Marilyn Marie Mayfield at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richland Center on June 10, 1961. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1957, Ron immediately served in the Marine Corp for 4 years. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. Upon returning home in 1961, Ron began farming in Gotham with his parents on the old Clarence Cooper farm. Marriage to Marilyn and his first son came soon afterwards. Ron grew the farm over the years, expanding from milking about 40 cows on 160 acres to milking 120 cows on over 600 acres. Ron and Marilyn were proudly named the Outstanding Young Farmers for Richland County in 1970. This week, the families of his son Randy and grandson Ryan will be similarly honored. While farming, Ron helped many hired men get off on the right foot. He was always willing to help a fellow farmer, neighbor or friend who could use a hand or a few dollars. He greatly enjoyed running and fixing machinery, teaching many how to drive tractor. He greatly enjoyed fall harvest, driving his TR75 New Holland combine. Fall of 2021 was Ron’s last harvest. When not farming, Ron thoroughly enjoyed life, whether it be at a car race, Badger game, hunting trip or standing in a circle of good friends. “I’m glad you got to see me” was a popular wisecrack of his. Ron and Marilyn loved dancing and traveling. Trips included the Hawaiian Islands and boating down the Mississippi River with friends, venturing from Lacrosse to St. Louis through 24 locks. Ron’s grandchildren were also a major highlight of his life and he loved attending their events. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Schmidt of Gotham, WI, his sister, Donna Mae (George) Kelbel of Hillsboro, two sons, Richard “Rick” (Ann) Schmidt of Madison and Randall “Randy” (Shelly) Schmidt of Gotham, seven grandchildren: Regan, Ryan (Chrissy), Logan (Emily), Courtney, Russell (Crystal), Abigail (Ben) and Kevin, and two great-granddaughters: Lillian and Addison. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Gladys, his parents in-law, Asa and Mildred Mayfield, and several in-laws, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center, WI, on Sunday, November 7, 2021, from 1-4 pm and on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 10 AM, followed by a funeral at 11AM. Lunch will be served afterwards at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center. The family would like to thank all of the health care providers who helped Ron in his home, at Pine Valley and at RC Hospital. Special thanks goes to Jaime, Rita, Bernie, Valerie and Erika and to our Muckler neighbors. In lieu of memorials, please donate to Lone Rock Fire Department, Pine Valley Foundation, Richland Center Fire Department or the charity of your choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku10KZ1SLBc .

Ronald Lee Schmidt

August 20, 1939 - November 3, 2021