Robert Paul Schmidt

Robert “Bob” P. Schmidt, age 80, of Madison passed away after a long courageous battle from Alzheimer’s/Dementia on September 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on September 25, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Peter F. and June M. Schmidt. He married Harriet Mattie on September 13, 1969 in Madison, Wisconsin at St. Bernard Church.

Bob graduated Madison East High School in 1960. Following graduation, he then joined the U.S. Army on August 20, 1961. After completing basic training, he was sent to Karlsruhe, Germany for 2 ½ years. Bob was a decorated and expert left-handed marksman.  He was honorably discharged on July 22, 1964, as a SP/4. He then went on to work for the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections for 30 years starting in October of 1966, in which 5 of those years, he was a Training LT at Oakhill Correctional Institute. After being promoted to Captain, he then worked the last 13 years at Waupun State Prison and Mendota Mental Health Institute, retiring in March of 1996. After retiring to fill his free time, he started driving school bus for Rite-Way and the Madison School District. After 18 years, he finally retired completely in July 2018. He was also a member of American Legion Post 501 for many years.

Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, and gambling at the casinos. He really enjoyed his yearly trips to Laughlin and Vegas. He was an avid slot player who got lucky almost every time he played. He loved to spend time with Jenna and Elizabeth, whether it was going to the zoo, doing lunch, or doing mini trips. He loved going to Tenney Park to feed the ducks and sit by the water. He enjoyed going out and having drinks with his friends, for he was never one to turn down a good time. He had purchased numerous boats to go fishing out on the lakes, which was his favorite pastime.

Bob is survived by his wife: Harriet of Madison; children: Tracy (Wesley Hooser) and Todd Schmidt; grandchildren:  Jenna and Elizabeth Schmidt; and great-grandson: Ky’ell Reed. Not to mention his favorite buddy: Dakota.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Pete and June Schmidt, beloved brother Peter, and cherished sister June. Best friends: Larry Adams, Phil Knight, Pat Arntz, Ozzzie Dolsey, and Sheldon Curtis. Including special pets: Pepper, Gizmo, Coco, Jasmine, Buddy, and Theodore.

Special thanks to Dr. Hahn and Dr. Sink at St Mary’s Hospital, Agrace Hospice, and Bettina and Laura at Sylvan Crossing for going the extra mile to ensure Bob was always taken care of. Thank you to the many people for their kindness and support for our family during this time.  

Funeral services will be held at Cress Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 3325 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 with visitation starting at 12:00pm-1:30pm followed by service from 1:30pm – 2:30pm and then the immediate family will have a private burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. Please feel free to join us to celebrate Bob’s life by coming together to share stories and memories at Sundown Saloon at 57 S. Stoughton Road, Madison, WI 53714 starting at 4pm since this was Bob’s favorite watering hole.  

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com