Richard “Dick” Carl Schmidt, age 91, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Lake in the Hills, IL passed away on July 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Mauston, WI. A Celebration of Life will be immediately following at The Lodge in Mauston (104 Lodge Ln, Mauston, WI 53948).

Dick was born in Chicago, IL, in 1934 to Carl Arthur and Catherine “Lucille” (Browne) Schmidt. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters from Southern Mississippi. He taught at Homewood Flossmoor High School, Dundee High School, and retired after 27 years at Leyden High School where he taught American History and coached basketball and girls’ softball. He married Karen (Voorhees) Schmidt on December 18, 1982, in West Dundee, IL.

Dick’s priorities were a beloved husband, father, and “Papa” to his grandkids. He was an avid golfer, card player, traveler and fan of all things Chicago sports; especially the Cubs. Dick loved being with family and friends and one way he brought people together was through his cooking. He was a fantastic cook with a broad style that ranged from German to southern cuisine and everything in between; he truly loved sharing his special, unique recipes. Dick also loved golf, but what he loved most about it was how it connected him with friends. Dick was a member of the Calumet Country Club (IL), Woodstock Country Club (IL), Boulder Ridge Country Club (IL), and most recently Pelican Preserve Country Club (FL).

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Karen Schmidt; son, Scott (Gloria) Shannon; grandchildren, Colin, Cora, and Gavin Shannon; brothers, Paul (June) Schmidt and David (Chris) Schmidt; brother-in-law, Donald Voorhees and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lucille.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope Hospice House at HealthPark (9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908) in memory of Richard “Dick” Schmidt - https://hopehospice.org/donate/