Bernard J, Schmidt

Bernard J. “Bernie” Schmidt, age 60, of New Holstein, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton following an acute onset infection and subsequent heart failure.  He was born September 19, 1958 in Hollandtown, son of the late Gerald & Evelyn (Swanningson) Schmidt.  Bernie was raised on the family farm in Hollandtown until he struck out on his own.  Following a short courtship of just a week, Bernie knew he was with the love of his life and married Janice R. Kesler on October 19, 1979 in Brillion.



He owned and operated B&J Supply, LLC and Concrete by Bernie for over 20 years.  Bernie was dedicated to his craft; with an eye for detail and a strong work ethic, he made sure everyone knew he was a real ass to work with but made sure every last detail was handled.  When winter rolled around, Bernie looked forward to snowfalls so he could spend time in his truck plowing for his many faithful customers throughout the area.  During these cold winter months, Bernie also took time to go ice fishing with his son Daniel and sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago.  



Knowing so much about so many different aspects of life and work, Bernie always wished to bestow mountains of his wisdom and knowledge to the world and was never hesitant to offer it to people whether they asked for it or not.  He often spoke fondly about when he and God invented stuff and appreciated the credit when he could.



Bernie was a dedicated family man who loved his children and cherished every moment he could with his grandchildren tinkering with the boys and painting the girls’ fingernails.  However, the nearly 40 years of marriage to the love of his life is what he held as paramount, often calling his wife three minutes after he left the house just to say, “I Love You” or leave notes of endearment for her to find.  He now sits at the Throne of Jesus with no worries or pain, enjoying time spent with his children, his dad, and his grandchild Adriel.  



Survivors include his wife: Janice; his children: Daniel Schmidt, Katie (Eric) Fain, Erin (Jordan) McKeen; grandchildren: Mayghan, Elijah, Brooklyn, Malachi, & Khanaa Fain, Chloe, Fiona & Thomas John McKeen, and Bryce Wesemberg; and 7 siblings.



He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 children; and his favorite mother-in-law: Ginny Kesler.



Funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton.  Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 9:00 am until 11:45 am on Saturday, June 22, 2019.



Memorials given in the name of Bernard J. “Bernie” Schmidt are appreciated for the Old Glory Honor Flight.