Mr. Wayne Douglas Schmidt

January 12, 1943 – October 4, 2026

After a 2-year battle with cancer, Wayne Schmidt passed to his heavenly home on October 4, 2026. His beloved wife, Monica, was by his side.

Wayne grew up alongside his brother, Mike, on the family farm in Stockholm, Wisconsin. From an early age, Wayne learned the value of hard work, spending his school years helping his family with work on the farm. Those early years shaped the strong work ethic, determination, and loyalty that would remain with him throughout his life.

A graduate of Pepin High School, Wayne was a talented basketball player and formed friendships that stood the test of time. He stayed connected with classmates and school friends throughout his life, a testament to who Wayne was and how he valued the people who shared his journey.

After farming, Wayne built a long and successful career in the steel industry. He spent fifty years managing and consulting with pole companies throughout North America, earning the respect of those he worked with and sharing the knowledge and experience he had gained over a lifetime.

But the most important part of Wayne’s life was his family.

For 30 years, Wayne and Monica shared a life filled with family, everyday routines, laughter, companionship, and love. Together, their family grew to include eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, each adding another chapter to the legacy Wayne leaves behind.

To those who knew Wayne knew there were few things he genuinely loved. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and took the opportunity to go back home seasonally to hunt and fish with his brother and friends as often as he could – late into his 70s! He took immense pride in caring for his lawn and looking after the birds outside, finding happiness in the simple things around home. One of the sweetest parts of his later years was something much quieter: sitting beside Monica and watching Hallmark movies together.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Monica; his children, Jeff and Lori Schmidt, Paul and Rebecca Ursta, Lisa and Thomas Niederberger, and Kevin and Stacey Kimmel; his grandchildren: Michelle, Tony, Heather, Matthew, Jordon, Vanessa, KJ and Kaia; his nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Mike Schmidt, and sister-in-law, Elaine Wheeler; and his sister-in-law Eileen Mack & husband, Mark, along with many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by George Schmidt, his parents Betty and Glenn Haglund, his son Jon Schmidt, and brother-in-law Brian Chilcoat.

From his beginnings on a Wisconsin farm to a career that took him throughout North America, Wayne lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, lasting friendships, and family. After more than three decades together, Monica was right where she had been through so much of Wayne’s life, by his side as he peacefully passed away at their home.

Wayne was a member of the Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy, where a celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Schmidt, Jeff Schmidt, Paul Ursta, Thomas Niederberger, Kevin Kimmel, and Jordon Halter.

Funeral arrangements are with Katy Funeral Home, with final interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alawin and the compassionate team at Methodist Hospital West Houston’s Infusion Center, as well as Russell, David, and Julie at Harbor Hospice for their exceptional care and support. We are so deeply grateful to the leadership team at Ascend Performance Materials for their kindness and support during this difficult journey. Your compassion helped carry our family through the hardest of times, and we will always be grateful.

Wayne will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends who loved him and by the many whose lives he touched throughout his 83 years.