Dale Arden Schmidt

Dale Arden Schmidt, age 79, of Oshkosh Wisconsin passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the early morning hours of October 20, 2022, at Aurora Hospital in Oshkosh.

Dale was born in Berlin, WI on September 7, 1943, he was raised by his loving parents Alfred and Edna (Taschner) Schmidt in Wisconsin Rapids. Dale graduated from Lincoln High School. After high school he joined the military and met the love of his life Jean Hass from Nekoosa, WI. Dale served in the United States Army from November 3,1962 to November 29,1965. Dale proudly fought for his country and family in Vietnam. Dale and Jean were married September 17, 1966, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage. The couple had five children and raised them in Oshkosh, WI. Dale worked for Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac WI for 39 years before retiring in 2008. Dale dedicated many years to his work however to him, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Dale had many interests and hobbies; he was a very creative man and artist. He could often be found sketching a pencil drawing with a cigarette in his mouth or working on a unique woodcarving. With the help from his family Dale would build extravagant parade floats for the Children’s Parade and even won an award. He painted rocks gold and built a pirate ship. Dale would do anything he could to help his family. He enjoyed biking around Oshkosh collecting cans, coins, and any treasures he could find. He also enjoyed the outdoors and fishing with family. Later in life Dale enjoyed retirement with his wife and eating mini chocolate candy bars.

Dale had kind eyes that sparkled when he laughed, a smile that seemed to never end, and hair like the king himself Elvis. He would often give whisker rubs with his beard to anyone that was nearby. He couldn’t make a trip without his Packer hat and his flannel. Although he was a man of few words at times and was even given the nickname mumbles, he was humbly intelligent and could be counted on for a good laugh with his quirky sense of humor. Watching him belly laugh was the best. When you met Dale, he made you feel like you were a friend or part of the family. Dale would make an effort to talk to you and get to know you.

Throughout his journey here on earth Dale was a son, a brother, a soldier, an uncle, a friend, a husband, a brother-in-law, a father, a father-in-law, a grandpa, a great grandpa, a provider, a nurturer, a teacher among many other things. His family will miss his steady calm, sense of humor, hugs, and the way he would say “I love you too”. If love from his family could’ve ever saved Dale, he would’ve lived forever.

Dale is now in peace and was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Alfred Schmidt; mother, Edna Schmidt; sister, Donna; and grandson, Brandon.

His legacy will carry on in the hearts and memories of those that he loved including his wife, Jean Schmidt; their children, Patrick (Lori) Schmidt, John (Lowes) Schmidt, Kevin (Darla) Schmidt, Paul Schmidt (Wendy) and Teresa Schmidt (William). Dale had 11 amazing grandchildren and 13 wonderful great grandchildren. He also has another great grandson who is scheduled to make his appearance in January of 2023. Dale also loved and cherished all his nieces and nephews.

Dales’ family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to the Oshkosh Fire Department station 16 and the medical providers at Oshkosh Aurora Medical Center ICU department for all there compassionate, hard work and dedication to Dale and his immediate family.

Dale will be buried at Lake View Memorial Park on October 29, 2022, at 11:30am. Followed by a celebration of life from 3pm-6pm at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home 100 Lake point Drive Oshkosh, WI 54904.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Old Glory Honor Flight in Dale’s honor.