Steven D. Schmidt, 60

Steven D. Schmidt, age 60, of Webster, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday, Oct. 30, while vacationing in Branson, Mo.

Steve lived with diabetes for over 35 years and in 1983 was proud to become an active participant in the DCCT-Diabetes Control & Complications Trial through the University of Minnesota. Results of this study have become the basis of current diabetic care in our nation.

Steve was born near Menomonie, Wis., on Jan. 15, 1951, to William and Idell (Otto) Schmidt. He graduated from Glenwood City High School in 1969. After high school he attended Chippewa Valley Technical College, graduating in spring of 1970 with a degree in tool machining.

He married Linda (Bethke) Schmidt in 1970 and lived in New Richmond, Hudson, and Hammond before moving to their current Webster residence.

Steve initially worked in the machining occupation for several companies: Star Machine Tool, Sunnyside Marina, Conveyor Specialties, and American Hoist & Derrick. After an American Hoist layoff in 1978, he became licensed as an insurance agent for Banker's Life. Since 1978 Steve had sold for several insurance companies while also working refrigeration installation for Dave Benck, Somerset, and Tom White, Hudson. Since 1993 Steve was self-employed as an independent agent, selling for various insurance companies. While an independent agent, Steve truly enjoyed getting to know and assisting his many clients with insurance.

Steve was a people person. He grew up in a musical family and was also a talented musician with music in his soul. Steve played bass guitar and sang, performing in various bands throughout the years.

Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a good friend to everyone who knew him. Steve had a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor. He loved the Webster area which he called "Paradise" and greatly enjoyed riding his Harley, deer hunting, and the outdoors.

Steve was an active member of Lakeside Community Lutheran Church working at its annual Trash and Treasure Sale, helping with community dinners and other events, plus serving on the finance committee. Steve served as president of the Point Lake Association, was an active member of Jackson Township's "Second Alarm," and also helped with concessions at Village Players Community Theatre.

Steve is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jaime (Darel) Hall, Jessica (Norman) Springett, and Julie Schmidt; step-grandchildren, Melanie and Emily Hall; grandchildren, Joel, Normie, and Nathan Springett and Ellie Hall; brothers, Ed (Joanne) Schmidt, Scott (Barb) Schmidt; many nieces and nephews and a host of loving relatives and friends. Steve is and will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7 (visitation 10-11 a.m.), at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, Webster, with Pastor Terrance Stratton officiating. Music will be provided by Sue Olson. Casketbearers will be Ed Schmidt, Scott Schmidt, Ethan Schmidt, Darel Hall, Norman Springett, and Mark Fruehauf.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. In lieu of flowers, contribute a music memorial in Steve's honor to Lakeside Community Lutheran Church.

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