Joseph J. Schmidt's Obituary
Joseph John Schmidt, born August 8, 1938, in Filipowa, Yugoslavia (now Bački Gračac, Serbia), passed away peacefully at his home in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, on June 11, 2025, entering eternal rest.
Joseph was born into a proud lineage of Donauschwaben, ethnic Germans who had lived in Southeastern Europe for generations. His childhood was upended by the violence and chaos of the Second World War. In its final stages, Joseph and his family endured great suffering, including the loss of his father, Georg Schmidt, in late-1944 to violence, and spending nearly three years of internment in the Gakowa concentration camp. After surviving these harrowing experiences, Joseph, along with his mother and brother, found refuge in Salzburg, Austria before emigrating to the United States on July 18, 1951, aboard the SS John Muir. The family initially settled in rural Missouri as part of a postwar work program before making their permanent home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In Milwaukee, Joseph built a life shaped by hard work, perseverance, and deep commitment to his family. On April 11, 1959, he married Ardyth Holck, beginning a 66-year marriage. They enjoyed traveling together - especially by motorcycle - and made lasting friendships along the way. They raised three children, first in West Allis and later in Hartland, providing a stable and consistent home life. Joseph worked for more than four decades at Johnson Controls, where he was known as reliable and hardworking during his career. After retirement, he and Ardyth moved permanently "Up North" to Central Wisconsin, where he found peace and purpose in the land and scenery he had dreamed of.
Joseph will be remembered for the way he opened his home and land to others. Whether it was family coming to fish, friends stopping by, or visitors passing through, he was always generous with what he had. He took pride in his property - his garden, his woodpile, the lake - and enjoyed sharing it. He had a special bond with his grandchildren, especially around the holidays, when his generosity and playful spirit came through most clearly with crates of gifts and an extensive nutcracker collection. Beneath his tough exterior was someone deeply committed to the people he loved. His presence was unmistakable, strong, protective, and rooted in a life shaped by hardship and purpose.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Schmidt (née Mesli), who passed away in Milwaukee on January 28, 1998, and by his older brother, Frank Schmidt, who passed away in Hubertus on November 14, 2018.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Ardyth; his children, Steven Schmidt (partner Laurie Gustke), Sharon Arnold (husband Bruce), and David Schmidt (wife Tricia); his grandchildren, Samantha Schmidt, Bradly Arnold (wife Emily), Nik Schmidt (wife Dominica), Amanda Seston (husband Brady), Anthony Schmidt, Kyle Schmidt, and Tyler Schmidt; and his great-grandchildren, Tallulah Schmidt, Mary Jane Schmidt, Landon Seston, Elisabeth Arnold, and Theodore Arnold. His life and legacy live on through them.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Wild Rose at 12:00 (Noon) on Friday, June 20th, 2025, with Chaplain Jeffrey Dodson, officiating. Interment will be at Wild Rose Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, from 11 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?