Michael (Mike) Phillip Schmidt, 67, formerly of Beechwood, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026. His spirit was strong while his body could bear no more.

Michael was born on May 7, 1959 in Milwaukee, the son of the late Phillip and Margaret (Ansay) Schmidt. Michael started life two months premature, after a difficult delivery, yet Michael never let his cerebral palsy stop him from many adventures. Mike started with crutches and braces in the 1960s but that did not stop him from making his way to the beach at Lake Seven where he found freedom in swimming and enjoyed years of camping at the lake cabin/family mobile home. He attended the Lions Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin, where he spread his wings of independence and numerous adventures including riding horses and canoeing. Mike and his family enjoyed years of snowmobiling together; from the kettle moraine local trails to the North Woods of Wisconsin. He also spent quite a few years hunting the elusive bucks and does each November. Mike enjoyed the companionship of the many furry friends that were a part of the family and Rex and Spuds had a special place in his heart. While many knew Mike for the speed demon he was in his motorized red wheelchair he walked this earth for many more years than he was in his wheeled chariot during the last 10 years of his life.

Mike was a retired member of the Beechwood Fire Department where he helped with water tanker filling, equipment care and was often behind the grill flipping burgers and brats at department events. Mike was part of the Todd Gerlach race crew and spent many years at Plymouth racetrack. Mike worked the family hobby farm driving the tractor and skid steer and was always there to help with car repairs for his sisters. He and his dad, Phil, were often found on the “Schmidtville Fire Truck” which made the rounds of many of the local volunteer fire department parades. He took great pride in his many years of employment with Clean Sweep through Threshold Inc and was a great friend to many of his peers. When mobility became more of a challenge he did not let that stop him from being productive and enjoyed his time working at Home Depot, with Goodwill support staff encouraging him in his endeavors, and he could be found speed wheeling his motorized chair down the isles assisting customers. He enjoyed watching car races and his Green Bay Packers. Mike’s “let’s give it a try”attitude and appreciation for each new day was maintained until the end. Mike never met a meal he did not appreciate and enjoyed making meals as well when he lived on his own.

Those Mike leaves behind to cherish his memory include his sisters: Debra Stoneman of Texas, Patricia (Terry) Vetter of Beechwood, and Carol (Jeff) Nigh of Germantown.; Nieces Nicole (Mike) Danielson and Alyssa Nigh; Nephews Brad Vetter, Robert Stoneman, and Alex Nigh and great niece Jada Danielson. Mike enjoyed the companionship of his special friend Mary Kucharski. He is survived by his Uncle Paul (Sarah) Ansay and many cousins. Michael was blessed with an enduring friendship with Terry Krahn, who shared many adventures and laughs with Mike, including a road trip to Florida.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents Marge and Phil, and his younger infant sister, Jean Ellen. He was additionally preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Marion Schmidt and Clem and Dorothy Ansay. A special thank you to the Legacy Hospice team, Optum and Oak Medical nursing staff along with his caregivers at Avina for the care, compassion and laughs you shared with Mike as you made his journey a gentle one.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. A Visitation will be held from 11 am to 12:45 pm. A Memorial Service honoring Mike is scheduled for 1pm. Feel free to proudly wear your Packers green and gold to the Celebration as Mike was a Packer fan.

Cremation has taken place so that he may join his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds to any of the following are appreciated: Beechwood Fire Department, Threshold, Inc. West Bend, or Make A Wish Foundation.

The Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com