Dennis "Al" Schmidt

Dennis “Al” Schmidt, 71, Green Bay, found peace Sunday morning, April 19, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. Born at home February 8, 1944, in Greenleaf, the eldest of nine children of the late Arthur and Armella (Reininger) Schmidt. Dennis is a graduate of Preble High School, Class of ’62. He attended UW Extension-Green Bay where he met the love of his life, Rosemarie Rankin. The couple married on March 27, 1965, at St. Patrick’s Church. Dennis spent most of his adult life employed within the electrical industry, before ultimately retiring from Brown County. Above all, he was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. Dennis will be remembered for his passion of motorcycles and music. He was an accomplished rider and mechanic as well as a luthier (a craftsman of stringed instruments). Dennis is best known for his hand-crafted banjos and hammered dulcimers.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rosemarie; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Theresa Schmidt of Green Bay; daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Curtis VanErem of De Pere; four grandchildren, Aaron and Anya Schmidt, Mitchell and Samantha VanErem; seven siblings and their spouses, Judy (Tom) Kunesh, Stangelville, Dee Krouth, Green Bay, Illomay (Dennis) Laack, Plymouth, David Schmidt, Green Bay, Wendy Schmidt-Janosik, Lake Mills, Patricia (Edmond) Delwiche, Oneida, Stuart (Cathy) Schmidt, Green Bay, and a sister-in-law, Patti Schmidt, Green Bay; Rosemarie’s siblings, Marian (David) Guyot, Excelsior, MN, Ruth (John) Van Laanen, Hobart, and William (Barbara) Rankin, Green Bay; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Steven Schmidt; great-nephew, Elliot Kolberg; and his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Kathryn Rankin.

Visitation at St. Jude Church, 1420 Division Street, Wednesday, April 22nd, from 2pm until the time of the funeral. Funeral Mass 4pm Wednesday at the church with Rev. Donald E. Everts officiating. Entombment in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

The family extends a special thank you to Green Bay Oncology, especially Dr. David Groteluschen, along with all the dedicated nurses and staff; and also Unity Hospice.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established.