Richard "Rick" Edward Schmitz, 68, of the Town of Crescent, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 9, 2026. Rick was born on July 5th , 1957 to Raymond J. Schmitz and Elizabeth (Schueller) Schmitz.
Rick graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1975. He joined the US Army in 1977 and was stationed in Fort Hood Texas and served his country until 1980. He came home to Rhinelander and shortly after met his future wife, Norma. They were married on April 17 th , 1982. Rick and
Norma were blessed with two children, Jennifer L. Schmitz and Kevin L. Schmitz.
Rick owned several businesses over the years, Rick’s Towing, Rick’s Crane Service, and Twin Lakes Trailer Sales. Of them all, his love was towing, and he started back up as “Big Tow” until
his health made him retire. Rick loved spending time at the lake with family and friends. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Norma, their children, Jennifer and Kevin. He is
also survived by brothers, LeRoy, Ken (Mary), Mike (Jane), Raymond, Jim (Heide), Jerry (Tina), David (Cindy), sisters, Mary Bockenfeld, Sue (Dan Taylor), Phyllis (Rick Rollman), Rita (Bill Dobbins), sister-in-law, Patricia Biesik, and brother-in-law, Thomas Reinke. Rick is further survived by many, many, nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Patty.
The Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at noon at the Northwoods National Cemetery located at 4520 Lakewood Road in Harshaw,
Wisconsin. Please meet at the cemetery at 11:45 a.,.
A Celebration of Rick's Life will follow the cemetery service, with the location to be posted at a later time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to
leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com
