Entered into eternal life on Thursday, December 23, 2010, age 77 years. Beloved husband of 52 years of Lois Ann Schmidt (Tarkowski). Loving father of John (Nancy), Daniel (Nancy), Ann (Chuck) Rohrer, Christopher (Sherry), Andrew (Lynn), Mary (Tad) Krawczyk, and Sara (Mark) Kittridge. Cherished grandfather of Nathan and Libby Schmidt; Connor, Sarah, Matthew and Patrick Schmidt; Willie, Sally and Rosie Rohrer; Lucas, Tobey, Molly and Shane Schmidt; A.J., Henry and Charlie Schmidt; Jan, Max and Anna Krawczyk; and Nick, Ellen, Maggie and Louis Kittridge. Further survived by brothers-in-law Thomas (Nancy) Tarkowski and Jerome Tarkowski; sisters-in-law Mary Jane Corroo, Dorothy Kiedrowski and Herta Schmidt; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Emil and Anna Schmidt and his eight siblings. Russ was born December 24, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Holy Angels Grade School and Rufus King High School. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Russ obtained his degree from Spencerian Business College. He married his love Lois Ann Tarkowski on June 21, 1958. He worked at First Wisconsin (later Firstar) Bank for 38 years, and retired from his position as the bank's Director of Security in 1994. Russ was very involved in his children's education and volunteered throughout the years in numerous ways at Blessed Sacrament, St. Thomas More High School and St. Mary's Academy. Russ was a dedicated grandfather, faithfully and proudly attending his grandchildren's events. Russ wholeheartedly enjoyed his retirement years. Besides spending time with his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies during those years. He liked to travel with his wife, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, play cards and travel to casinos with his friends. He meticulously maintained his home and yard with beautiful results. He was a voracious reader, photographer, and computer aficionado. During the last several years, the annual Schmidty-palooza family gathering was one of his biggest pleasures. Visitation at the Funeral Home Monday, December 27, 2010, 4:00-7:00 PM. Visitation also on Tuesday, December 28, 9:00-10:00 AM at BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH, So. 41st and W. Oklahoma Ave. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 AM. Private entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Vincent De Paul Meal Ministry or Blessed Sacrament Church are appreciated. PRASSER-KLECZKA BAY VIEW CHAPEL 3275 So. Howell Ave. 414-483-2322