Randall Forest Schmidt, (aka "Upsie"), our beloved Christian father, grandfather and friend, died on January 23, 2021 at the age of 96.  He had integrity, was trustworthy and a devoted Christian, belonging to Peace, United Church of Christ.  He was born on November 25, 1924 to Erda and Joe Schmidt, in their home located in Tilleda, WI (Town of Seneca).  He attended school in Tilleda for 2 years and then moved to Marion, where he finished his schooling. Growing up during the depression was difficult, as a child Randall worked for the Appleton Post Crescent and Milwaukee Journal selling newspapers for 3¢during the week and 10¢on Sundays.  He also worked at the Cashway Grocery Store.  He lettered in boxing during his Sophomore and Junior year and was also Prom King his junior year.

Unfortunately, he was not able to complete his senior year after being drafted into the Army for WWII.  He was initially sent to Camp Grant, Illinois, proceeded to Camp Walters, Texas and then left for New York, where he was at Camp Shanks prior to being deployed.  His company of 15,000 men left on the US George Washington and arrived in England 17 days later.  From England, he landed on Utah Beach, in France, 6 days after the invasion of Normandy.  He was a foot soldier in the 79th infantry division.  He was in combat for 11 months and fought 4 different battles during that time.  After the war ended, he went to occupied Czechoslovakia and stayed until he was able to go home.  Prior to leaving for home, he contracted hepatitis and was hospitalized in Germany for one month before coming home.  He arrived home in January of 1946.

Randall met Betty Rae Strauss, his wife of 70 years, in March of 1946.  Randall had seen Betty at Mickey's Tavern and Food one evening out, the next day he called her up and asked her out.  They were married eight months later in her parent's home at the White House Bridge Farm on November 28,1946.

Randall was again called back to serve his country for the Korean War in August 1950.  He was inactive reserves between 1946-1950 and went to Fort McCoy two weeks out of each summer.  He left to go to Camp Lewis, Washington and then to Camp Robert's in California.  Betty Rae joined him there, where they lived outside the base in Paso Robles, California. Fortunately, he did not have to leave for Korea and was able to stay in California to train new men, in his position as Technical Sergeant.  He gave a total of 9 years for the service of our country.  He and Betty came home to Shawano in 1952.

Randall started work at Muehl's furniture in 1952, and later purchased it in 1965 with his brother-in-law, Orville Teetzen.  He later purchased all of the buildings and Orv's share in 1979.  Randall took pride in all aspects of his business, from working in the showroom to getting his hands dirty installing floorcovering, drapery and delivering furniture to customers.  People in our community will never forget Randall's capability of fixing their "furniture" problems and his caring and generous heart.

While the furniture store was a large part of his life, he truly enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.  In his "younger" years, he enjoyed archery, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and working in the yard at their home.  He held several church positions, including president.  He was a long-time active member of the Shawano Rotary Club.  Randall and Betty Rae's greatest gift to their daughter, Betsy, was their commitment to family.  Their love knew no bounds, whether it was the countless trips to Rochester to help care for their grandson Andy or helping with the huge financial burden that came with his medical needs.  The faithfulness and love that Betty and Randall gave to their family will never be repaid.

The last four years of Randall's life was spent living with his daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Tom.  He was able to move back to the property where he lived most of his life, on the river.

Randall and Betty Rae are survived by daughter, Betsy Marie (Tom) Zernicke, of Shawano; grandchildren, Jessica (Neil) Weiland and Andrew Zierden; great-grandchildren Katelyn, Claire and Nora Weiland.  He is also survived by Blake (Liz) Zernicke with their children Hallee, Brody and Sloane, Rhea (friend, Rick Taylor) Zernicke and Renee Zernicke, as well as a half-brother, Dan Weidner.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Rae Schmidt, two stillborn babies William and Carolyn, parents Erda and Joe Schmidt, stepfather George Weidner, stepmother Tally Schmidt, brothers Archie (Margaret) Schmidt, Berger (Ginnie) Schmidt, and Ferril (George) Lindroth.  His mother and father-in-law Martha and Franklin Strauss.  Also deceased were brother and sisters-in-law, Leone (Elmer) Rusch, Doris (Hank) Allhiser, Isla (Carl) Wudtke, Harold (Anita) Strauss, Eddie Strauss, Les Strauss and Franklin (Elenor) Strauss.

We celebrate Randall's life with the joy and love he spread to everyone he met.

Services for Randall will be held Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11:00 am at Hope Community Church in Shawano. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Military Honors will be conducted at Woodlawn Cemetery following services at church.

Many thanks to all his caregivers that helped Betsy care for Randall, including granddaughter Jessica, Christy Brandt, Carol Haack, and Cindy Westphal. They are all angels. Thank you to Theda Care at Home Hospice for his care the last five days.