Karl Schmidt

Madison –

Karl Arthur Schmidt, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2022 after a brief illness of leukemia and pneumonia. Karl was born to parents Art and Alma Schmidt in Eureka, South Dakota on August 5, 1941 and lived a fulfilling 80 years of life.

Karl leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Janet; his two sons, Fred (Colleen) and Bob; as well as four loving grandchildren, Deana, Ryan, Kacey and Samantha Schmidt. Karl and Janet met in college on the debate team and were debate partners. They learned early on how to listen to one another and share ideas. Those lessons laid the foundation for their long and loving marriage.

Karl lived a full life, filled with adventure and fun. He graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota with a degree in business before moving to Madison. He worked for the Small Business Administration where he retired after 30 years. He valued the work and especially the many friendships that continued long into his retirement.

Karl had a passion for a wide variety of activities. He was a member of many groups that he remained active in throughout his life. A highlight of his week was riding his BMW with the “Tuesday Night Riding & Chowder Society” motorcycle group. He played tennis for several years and remained close to members of his tennis group. He was a pilot who flew for work and pleasure. He also enjoyed sailing his sailboat, golfing with friends and his sons, flying kites, and playing piano. He was a car guy. He attended car shows and loved to drive. Motorcycle trips, rallies and races were also a passion. He also had a green thumb, which he inherited from his mother. He grew roses and peonies.

In addition to his many activities, Karl was an enthusiastic fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Badger Basketball, Football, Women’s Volleyball, the Madison Mallards, and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching westerns and action-adventure movies and listening to Cowboy Poetry.

Most of all, Karl loved his family. He was proud of his sons and enjoyed spending time together playing golf, watching sports and attending events, just to name a few. He was also very proud of his grandchildren and looked forward to their concerts, sporting events and other functions. He was their biggest cheerleader.

A celebration of Karl’s life will be held at the Warner Park Community Center on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. there will be an opportunity to share a special memory that you have of Karl.

To view, sign and to share memories and photos in this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.