Rhea Rae Schmidt (nee Mielke), age 86 years, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2026, at Lakehouse Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family.

Rhea was born on November 3, 1939, in Shawano to Roy and Louise Mielke (Luepke). She was baptized in 1939 and confirmed at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church. She was a graduate of West Bend High School in 1957. She attended and was a graduate of Dodge Co Teachers College in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree from Oshkosh. She was united in marriage to Harvey N. Schmidt on February 10, 1962.

She was an elementary teacher at Friess Lake School. She taught until her daughter Gail was born in 1965. When her daughter started kindergarten. She went to work part-time in the kitchen at school. She started working at various restaurants around West Bend. Some of the most memorable restaurants were Randy, JJ’s, Burgerhut, and Threshold. Even taking culinary classes at MPTC. Rhea catered for the “stars” who performed at the Washington County Fair, one of her favorites was Willie Nelson. Rhea & Harvey liked to travel the U.S and took a fantastic trip to Niagara Falls. They always laughed when people asked how old Gail was. Rhea said she was 10!

Rhea was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church – Town of Wayne.

Those Rhea leaves behind to cherish her memory include her daughter Gail (Wayne) Nickels; grandchildren Ashley (Casey) Selner, Travis Nickels; great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Johnathon, Abraham, and Genevieve; brother-in-laws Richard Schuppel, Clarence Schmidt; sister-in-laws Betty Schmidt, Arlene Deuber, and Dorothy Schmidt. A special friend Amanda Herbst. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Rhea was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harvey in 2011, sister Joan Schuppel, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Alfred (Florece) Schmidt, Dorothy (Pete) Heinecke, Margie Schmidt, John Schmidt, George Deuber, and Herbert Schmidt.

VISITATION: Rhea’s family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 11:00 am until 12:15 pm at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church – Town of Wayne (6438 Highway D, Allenton, WI 53002).

SERVICE: A Christian Funeral Service in remembrance of Rhea will take place at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church – Town of Wayne with Rev. Steven Bode officiating. Burial will be at Washington County Memorial Park.

Memorials in Rhea’s name can be directed to Zion Ev. Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the nurses, and staff at Lakehouse FDL and Moments Hospice staff, especially Kerby, Nina, and Marissa for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Rhea’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.