Paul E. Schmidt Obituary
Paul E. Schmidt left us too soon on February 22, 2023 at the age of 72. Paul is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife of 36 years Kalo C. Schmidt (Meyer); kids he loved dearly Scott, Stacy, Logan and Lauren Dopke; and the special place he had in his heart for Sherry Heagney, Randy and Sandy Schlee and David Schlee. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Joyce Schmidt (Schlee) as well as in-laws, Eugene (Tony) and Muriel Meyer (Dopke). Paul started working at a young age as a cook at the Moonbi Inn in Germantown and then at Sentury In Butler.
He then graduated from Sussex Hamilton in 1968 and continued his education at WCTC with a degree in Business in 1970. His banking career started at Farmers & Merchants Bank and continued with Associated Bank and then M&I bank until 1991. While working at the bank he and Dale Tietz clerked and cashiered auctions for Rollie Bast. Paul also opened up the Lake Five Office in the early 1970's. Paul then went full time into the business he and his partner, Patrick Handlos had started at their kitchen tables.
He worked at Schan Tax until the business was sold in 2019 but he continued with the insurance side of the business. Over the years, he belonged to the YMCA board, Community Memorial Hospital Foundation and Safety Deposit Board. He also was a great supporter of the Peace Lutheran Academy. Paul helped start the Sussex Hamilton Foundation, Sussex Lisbon Business and Professional Association (SLPBA), Sussex Lisbon Ducks Unlimited as well as Sussex Club and Investment Group. He was a member of the JC's and a long time member of the Sussex Lions Club.
He is a past winner of the Birch Sturm, the Knight of Sight Fellowship and the Melvin Jones Award. Paul was also responsible for the distribution of the Chester Henrizi Scholarship. The family would like to thank the amazing care provided by Abby Rothstein and Stephanie from Vascular as well as the ladies in the Outpatient Wound Care Department who showed nothing but compassion and care to Paul with his many appointments there and they always had a smile on their faces to brighten our days. If you knew Paul you know he was a people person and always had time to talk.
He loved catching up with everyone and always made time for you. Paul will always be remembered for his boisterous and hearty laugh. He was there for anyone who needed him and was the most giving and loving person. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. Visitation Wednesday March 1 at Schmidt & Bartelt in Menomonee Falls from 1PM until time of Funeral Service at 4 PM. Private burial Sunnyside Cemetery, Lannon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Froedtert Menomonee Falls Foundation for the Vascular Department or Outpatient Wound Care.
