Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.

Gene Schmitt

Gene R. Schmitt, 81, of Wausau died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born July 14, 1938, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, son of the late Harry and Frances (Keeney) Schmitt. On Aug. 13, 1988, he married Linda (Paul) Alward at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2017.

Gene graduated from Wausau High School. For most of his working career, Gene was employed with The Milwaukee Road and Wisconsin Central LTD as a train engineer, retiring in 1998.

He enjoyed bowling, downhill skiing, traveling and watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Gene will be fondly remembered for having a strong faith in God. He was also a very generous person who donated to various charities and causes.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his son, Kirk (Gigi) Schmitt, Wausau, five grandchildren, Blakney, Arabella, Ryan, and Olivia Schmitt and Reanna (Jordan) Marquardt, and one sister, Gail (Lyle) Scott.

Besides his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Schmitt, and two brothers, Daryl and Neil Schmitt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Tim Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wayne and Corey Schmitt for the extra care and assistance shown to Gene the last several years.