LeRoy E.A. Schmidt

The seat in Heaven promised to LeRoy E. A. Schmidt was filled on the afternoon of June 4, 2025.

He was a resident at Pine Crest Nursing Home and under the care of Interim Hospice services.

LeRoy was born on December 11, 1935 in Merrill and was 89 at the time of his passing.

He was a lifelong resident of the Merrill area and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for most of his adult life.

LeRoy married Carol E (Schult) Schmidt on January 15, 1955, they were married for 69 years, she has saved him a place alongside her in Heaven since her passing on November 4, 2024.

LeRoy spent most of his life as a carpenter preferring to work mostly on his own. He was known for his quality work and fair prices; his strong work ethics left a lasting imprint that has carried on to his children. He also became a “Mr. Fix It” and could figure out how to fix just about anything without the help of “Google” and most likely had the parts needed in his “stash” to complete the job. If you needed a helping hand, you could always count on him to be there.

LeRoy was a kind and generous man and often used his talents for volunteer work especially at Trinity Church and School, he supported many charitable organizations. He was a proud republican and spent many hours engrossed in the FOX news channel. He was also an avid gardener and in recent years took a strong interest in growing geraniums, he was able to winter them over and keep them blooming throughout the cold months to bring them back outdoors the following summer. LeRoy also enjoyed fishing and loved tending a smoker full of bullheads.

Together with Carol, they owned and maintained rental properties and in their younger years owned Schmidt’s Concession’s, many weeks were spent at fairs, football games and 4th of July celebrations serving up treats that were loved by all.

LeRoy was a humble man and often quiet, but when prompted had a theory and an opinion on just about everything, some might even say he had a feisty side.

He often used the words “you be careful” as a parting sentiment, we learned to interpret that as “I love you”.

LeRoy is survived by his children: daughter: Barb (Bryan) Bonke of Missouri, with their son, Brandon, daughter: Chris ( Keith) Maahs, of Merrill, with their children, Ryan (Emily) Maahs, Tyler (Kristin) Maahs, Gina (Nick) Zurbey and Jacob (Amber) Maahs, son: John (Ellie) of Merrill with their daughter Katie Halverson, and JoAnn (Jeff) Brandenburg of Merrill, with their daughter Jennifer (Jon) Lee, great grandchildren: Cale, Kaeden, Hudson, Kinley, Hayden, Bentley, Hollis, Owen, Hazel, Eldrick, Jazalyn and Juliann, brother Garry (Barb) Schmidt.

In addition to his wife Carol, LeRoy was proceeded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alma Schmidt and a daughter: Katherine Schmidt

The funeral service for LeRoy will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Joel Danner will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial at the Scott Cemetery will immediately follow the service. 

The family wishes to thank both the Pine Crest Nursing home and Interim Hospice for the care, love and compassion that was shown to LeRoy and his family during his stay.

The family requests that donations be made to Trinity Church and School in lieu of flowers.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.

“You all be careful now.”