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 17th, 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 Visitation for Rick will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Pine Grove Community Church, located at 1360 N. Stevens Street, Rhinelander, from 9:00 AM until the 10:30 AM Funeral Service. Pastor Jeremy Vander Galien will officiate. Immediately following the service, there will be a procession to the Northwood's National Cemetery located at 4520 Lakewood Road in Harshaw, Wisconsin. The military honors will be conducted by the Northwood's Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Army. A luncheon will be held following the cemetery services in the Pine Grove Community Church Hall.
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
