William E. “Bill” Schmidt, 71, of DeForest, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was a 27-year brain cancer survivor until he was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor last spring.

Bill was born on November 9, 1954, in Portage, Wisconsin, to Ervin and Ruby Ann (Reddeman) Schmidt. He grew up in North Leeds, attending Leeds Elementary School, and DeForest Middle and High School. He was a passionate athlete throughout high school, participating in football, basketball, and track. His love of sports continued well into adulthood—he played basketball and softball, and spent many years officiating and coaching youth basketball, a role he truly cherished. Bill married the former Nancy Wolff in 1979 and were blessed with two sons, Timothy and Andrew.

Bill enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Radford Company and Stock Lumber. For more than 40 years, he was an active and devoted member of Burke Lutheran Church, where he also took part in the men’s Bible study group. Later in life, Bill became a strong advocate for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and was proud to be the top fundraiser for several years.

Beyond sports, Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing whenever the opportunity arose. Some of his happiest moments were spent in the woods or on the water with his two sons or anyone willing to join him on an outdoor adventure. He was a natural storyteller, always eager to share memories, lessons, and the knowledge he gained from a lifetime of self-taught experiences in nature.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy; his two sons, Tim and Andy (Marissa); and his beloved grandchildren, Maeva, Audrey, Grady, Ada, Rylee, and Gatlin. He is also survived by his siblings Roger (Nancy) Schmidt, Sue Hurd, Jane (Phil) Allen, and Jim (Brenda) Schmidt; brother-in-law Richard Bartlett; sisters-in-law Beverly Lange and Janice (Galen) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nancy Bartlett; his in-laws, Herbert and Doris Wolff; his brother-in-law, Steve Hurd; his sister-in-law, Marylin Wolff; his brother-in-law, Jerry Lange; and his nephew, Chase Peterson.

After Neurosurgery for seizures 10 years ago that left him paralyzed on his left side, “Bluegill Bill” is free of his wheelchair and enjoying the best fishing spot he could imagine.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Burke Lutheran Church, 5720 Portage Rd. Madison WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the church.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

William "Bill" Schmidt

November 09, 1954 - March 11, 2026

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