Adolf Louie Schmidt , 81, passed away October 3, 2019, at his home near Indian Creek, Wisconsin. 

He was born on May 31, 1938, the fifth child to Oscar and Ella Schmidt of Indian Creek, Wisconsin. He grew up with his brothers and sister on their dairy farm. He attended Shady Mound Grade School and then Indian Creek Elementary. Adolf attended Frederic High School where he played football and baseball. He was proud that during his senior year the varsity football team won the conference championship. He was active in the FFA and was voted Prom King his junior year. Adolf graduated from Frederic High School in 1956. 

As a young man, Adolf worked as a farm hand for Harold Owens. He also worked at the Stokely plant and for Kenny Nelson building silos. Adolf attended Wisconsin State College - River Falls where he studied agriculture, and received his bachelor of science degree in 1960. After graduating from River Falls, Adolf moved to the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul and worked for the Food and Drug Administration as an inspector. 

On July 7, 1962, Adolf married Elvira Ulick of Clam Falls at the United Methodist Church in Lewis, Wisconsin. The couple moved to Dorchester, Wisconsin, where Adolf managed the Midland Coop fertilizer plant. In 1964, Adolf and Elvira moved back to the Frederic area living in Siren for one year and on Spirit Lake until 1973. Adolf worked as an Agriculture teacher and Earth Science teacher in Grantsburg for a total of 29 years. During that time, Adolf furthered his education through National Science Foundation courses and served as a Wisconsin Field Experience Science Teacher. 

In 1970, Adolf and Elvira purchased the farm on which Adolf’s mother, Ella, was raised. That year they were also blessed with a daughter, Heather. In 1973, they built their home there on the farm they had purchased, and were blessed with a son, Dolf.  

All the years while teaching, Adolf farmed Hereford cattle, sheep, hogs, and chickens. In 1986, they added the roof to the barn that had been lost in the 1953 tornado. Adolf enjoyed deer hunting on his property with his son, Dolf, and friend, Larry Brown. After Adolf retired from teaching, he continued to farm, and he began growing a prolific garden. During the last twelve summers, Adolf shared his garden bounty at the farmers markets in Frederic and Siren. Farming and gardening brought him almost as much joy as his five grandchildren.

Adolf also loved to read and travel. He loved to learn, and study the geology and agricultural practices of the areas he visited. His most recent trip was to Alaska in June of 2019, where he most enjoyed the glaciers of Prince William Sound and the spectacular views of Denali. 

On October 3, 2019, after two years of illness with cancer, Adolf passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children. 

The family thanks everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers. They thank Dr. Craig Mescher, Kathryn Hoffman, RN, and the staff at the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin in New Richmond for treatments that gave Adolf a good year during his illness. They thank the Adoray Hospice staff for their kindness and care during Adolf’s final days.  

Visitation will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic on Thursday, October 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, October 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorial services will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, Wisconsin on Friday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Roger Pittman will officiate and the Rowe funeral home will assist with arrangements.  

Adolf will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.  

Adolf was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ella Schmidt; his brother, Herman Schmidt; his brothers-in-law, Wayne Ulick and Clifford Amundson; his sisters-in-law, Marilynn Schmidt and Arleen Schmidt; and his nephews, John, Carl, and David Schmidt.  

Adolf is survived by his wife, Elvira; his daughter, Heather Ohly (Robert); his son, Dolf Schmidt (Heather); his beloved grandchildren, Sydney Ohly, Joseph Ohly, Norah Ohly, Dylan Schmidt, and Griffin Schmidt; his siblings, William Schmidt, Luella Amundson, Oscar Schmidt (Beverly), Louie Schmidt (Rita), and Henry Schmidt (Gloria); his sister-in-law, Kay Ulick; his nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins and many dear friends.  

Honorary Pallbearers:  Arnie Holcolmb, Robert (Ole) Engelhart, Larry Brown, William Schmidt, Luella Amundson, Oscar Schmidt, Louie Schmidt, and Henry Schmidt.  

Last Update: Oct 09, 2019 7:39 am CDT