Arthur Schmidt

Arthur “Art” E. Schmidt, age 86 of Oxford (formerly of Racine) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as he finally met his LORD and Savior, Jesus, face to face. Art was born in Gackle, North Dakota on September 18, 1939. His family moved to Milwaukee when he was young and he attended Pulaski High School. On August 16, 1958, according to a card Art wrote, “my love, my life, my girl who melts my heart like April snow”, he married Mary Beitz and a short time later they move to Racine where they spent many years working and raising a family. Art was employed at Johnson’s Wax in Racine for 30 years. In 2002, Art and Mary relocated to rural Oxford, where they enjoyed the birds, sandhill cranes, especially Barnaby, Miracle, the 3 legged deer, beautiful flowers and even the pesky squirrels. Art loved trips to the Smokey Mountains and Gayes Mills and Coon Valley, Necedah Wildlife Refuge.

Art’s main focuses in life were his family, faith and ministry. He worked very hard to provide for his family and was active in his church, leading a bible study for young men while in Racine. Art always kept a meticulous lawn. In fact, the grandkids remember seeing him on his knees trimming the long blades of grass with scissors. He was a regular attender at Oxford Bible Church until it became too difficult for him to walk. Art will be remembered for his smile, loving J. Vernon McGee and John MacArthur, and his depth of the Bible, knowledge of Greek and Hebrew and the hundreds of Bible verses he had memorized, even only completing 10th grade. He is also remembered for his courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. Along with the apostle, Paul, Art can declare “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness….”2Timothy 4:7-8a.

Art leaves behind his wife of almost 68 years, Mary and three children: Kirt (Laurie) of Oshkosh, Rebecca (Jeff) Isaacson of North Carolina and Christine (Mike) Schmidt of Florida as well as son-in-law, Danny Sawisky. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Mandi (Tim), Jesse (Ashlee), Jeremy (Alissa), Casey (Meghan), Luke (Jenny), Jacob, Josh (Nikki), Jon (Melissa), Josiah (Micah), Bryce and Beaux as well as great-grandchildren: Grant, Levi, Isaac, Haven, Clover, Jayden, Micah, Elian, Isaiah, Judah, Liam, Elodie, Emi, Henley, Sadie, Ivy, Asher, Juni, Wren, Levi, Noah, and Sophia. Art is further survived by sister-in-law, Sindy Schmidt, other extended family members and special caregivers: Isaiah and Alyssa and many little blessings, who are getting to know Art in Heaven.

Art is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Debbie Sawisky, grandson, Andrew Sawisky and siblings: Benny (Delores), Earl (Barbara), Roger (Kay), Robert and Maxine (Joe) Vandenberg.

A memorial service for Arthur Schmidt will be held on August 15th at 11:00 AM at the Oxford Bible Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the hour of service. Lunch to follow. Pastor Robert Stickler will preside and inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Samaritans Purse or Through the Bible ministry.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Montello is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com