Robert N. Schmidt

Robert “Bob” Nicholas Schmidt, age 81, passed on April 2, 2026. He was born in Appleton on August 30, 1944 to the late John and Clara (Griesbach) Schmidt. Robert served in the Army National Guard from 1964 – 1970. On October 28, 1978 he married Barbara (DeLeeuw) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton.

Bob graduated from St. Edward School in Mackville in 1958 and graduated from Hortonville High School in 1962. Bob worked as a truck driver for 23 years in Appleton and in 1986 moved to Tempe, AZ where he started up his classic car restoration business and restored cars for over 30 years. He restored over 50 cars, all 1957 models that were part of 57 Heaven Classic Car Museum for the Dick Clark American Band Stand in Branson, MO where he was curator.

After going to sock hops in Hortonville, he never dreamed he’d experience working with the likes of Bobby Vee, Fabian, Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley, the Comets, Brian Hyland, The Chiffons, and others.  Bob restored many cars that were auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Many were records.

Bob overcame heart surgery, cancer, and other operations.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; brother, Ray Schmidt; sister, Milly Weyenberg; sisters-in-law, Judy Schmidt, Mary Schmidt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Schmidt; brothers: Melvin, Don, Tony (Joanne), Francis, Charlie (Ann); sisters: Marion (Lenny) Thiel; niece, Kelly Schmidt; and brother-in-law: Don Weyenberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. Edward the Confessor of Mackville, N2926 WI-47, Appleton. Visitation will take place on Friday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.

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