Floyd Schmidt

Floyd Erwin Schmidt, age 92 of Sun Prairie, passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016. He was born August 29, 1924, at home in Watertown. Floyd was the oldest son of Erwin E. and Stella (Gritzner) Schmidt. He was united in marriage to his love at first sight, Dolores M. Gaugert on September 25, 1948 at First Baptist Church in Oconomowoc. Together they raised three children.

Floyd attended school in Watertown until he was a junior in high school, when all the young men in his class were drafted for service in World War II. Floyd became a soldier of the US Army's Infantry, 79th Division and was sent to training camps in Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and New York. He had memories of seeing the Statue of Liberty just before being sent to war in March of 1944. He arrived in Normandy the day after D-Day and fought alongside General Patton, whom he respected for fighting on the front lines with his soldiers. Floyd was taken prisoner by the Germans while hiding in the loft of a barn along with 2 other soldiers. He survived 240 days in captivity in Baden Baden, Germany: Salzburg (Moosburg), Austria; and several other camps across the region. Upon his release he flew to Austria on C-47 to Le Havre, France, crossing the Atlantic back to the states and returning home shortly after " Victory in Europe Day", May 8, 1945. While serving his country, Floyd earned the Purple Heart; European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Service Stars; Good Conduct Medal; American Theatre Ribbon; WWII Victory Medal; and Combat Infantryman Badge. When Floyd returned home from the war he worked as a truck driver for Motor Transport Company, and later as steamfitter for Niehoff & Son, Kerr Brothers, Consolidated Paper Company and until his retirement at the University of Wisconsin.


Some of Floyd's simple pleasures in life were his grandchildren, wood working, his apple orchard, large garden and his treasured great-grandchildren.



Floyd is survived by his children; David ( Catherine) Schmidt, Diane ( Truett) Tidwell and Dale ( Kim) Schmidt; grandchildren Denise ( Chris) Woods; Dawn ( Brian) Fisher, Krystle ( Dan) Eichman, Julie ( Mark) Woody, Dustin Schmidt and Danielle Schmidt; 6 great- grandchildren; brother Ron ( Mary) Schmidt; sister- in- law Marcy Schmidt and brother- in- law Kenneth Gaugert. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife Dolores and brother Kenneth "H". Floyd's son-in-law Truett and his best friend Jim "Hummer" Gryzynger were always close by to lend a hand when help was needed and it was appreciated.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, 702 North Street, Sun Prairie, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jenny Arneson officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of service at the church. A meal will be served following the service. Floyd will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SPUMC Youth Mission Experience, SP American Legion Post 333 or a veteran's organization of your choice.


Floyd had a strong faith, he prayed night and day while in WWII. He would always comment on the power of prayer and he believed his faith in God is what brought him home safely from the war. His faith also carried him throughout his life.
"I fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith" 11 Timothy 4:7



Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
608-837-9054