Daniel D. Schmidt

Daniel D. Schmidt is now in the presence of God His Father, and Jesus Christ, his Lord.

He passed peacefully on September 12, 2026 at his home in Waukesha. Daniel was born on July 23, 1950 in Mattoon, Wisconsin.

Preceded in death by:  Parents, Donald and Avery (nee Lipke) of Colby, Wisconsin; Parents-in-law, Norman and Aurora (nee Anderson) Denney, Marshfield; son, Joshua; siblings, David, Darlene Uttecht, Douglas, Donald, Tim.

Survived by: Wife of 54 years, Nancy (nee Denney); children: Heather (Dean) Wojtczak, Cadott;  Andrea (Todd) Miltenberger, Fridley, MN; Caleb (Danielle), Waukesha; and grandchildren: Henry (Natalie); Zechariah; Ezekiel (Brooklynn); Myriam; and Gilbert; siblings: Dean (Mary) Schmidt; Dale (partner, Cindy); Donell (Dave) Bedroske; Dianne Grube; Darwin (partner, Kelly); Darla (Garry) Gruhlke; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones.

Dan grew up in a large farm family, spending summers working on his grandparents’ farm which fostered his love of farming and led into the career of his early adulthood. Dan graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1968, where he met the love of his life, Nancy.  They were married at Waukesha Bible Church on June 3, 1972.  After the birth of their first child, they moved to central Wisconsin where they farmed near Chili and Dorchester. They farmed near Amery, WI, where during that time their third child, Joshua, was born and died of congenital heart disease.  Through that experience they made many close connections at First Baptist Church.

Dan and Nancy moved to Waukesha in 1984, where Dan worked at RTE (later Cooper, now known as Eaton), until officially retiring in 2020.  He enjoyed the work, and building lasting friendships.  He genuinely took an interest in everyone around him, and was known for his knowledge, outstanding work ethic, and bringing good-natured humor into the workplace.

Dan had strong, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Waukesha Bible Church, and more recently, Kettle Moraine Community Church.  Dan enjoyed serving in a variety of different ways, including the deacon and trustee boards, AWANA, and youth group; and serving during a mission’s trip to Belize. He also gave many hours chauffeuring his children to music lessons, orchestra rehearsals, and other activities. Dan supported and wholly encouraged Nancy in her rosemaling career, and loved being part of the Scandinavian folk-art community, and was renowned for sharing Ole and Sven jokes. He also loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with friends, deer hunting with family, and golfing with family and friends.  Dan fully embraced being a grandfather, playing, joking, reading, camping, golfing, and so much more with each of them. 

More than anything he shared his faith, and loved worshipping God.  He prayed for many people, even more so in these latter years, as his health continued to decline. Dan will be deeply missed, but his family takes comfort in the fact that he is safe at home in Heaven.

A Celebration of Dan’s life will be held at 12:30PM on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Waukesha Bible Church with Pastor Tom Hocking presiding. Visitation will take place from 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or monetary donations in Dan’s honor may be made to West African Mercy Ministries or Crescent Lake Bible Camp of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. 

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, Wisconsin is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com