William "Bill" R. Schmidt, 82, of Eau Claire died peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 1, 2005. He was born in Cumberland, Wis., on March 30, 1922, to Henry L. and Hilda (Randall) Schmidt. The family moved to Dunn County in 1940, where he worked for Lakeside Aluminum and later the City of Menomonie. \r\nHe married Mary Alice Sims of Menomonie on October 10, 1945. In 1953, Bill and Mary moved to Eau Claire where he worked for Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. for 34 years until his retirement in 1987.\r\nHe was a member of Christ Church Cathedral for over 50 years. He belonged to the Loyal Order of the Moose- Eau Claire #1408 for many years. \r\nHe was an avid gardener all his life. Bill and Mary loved to travel, visiting all the Canadian provinces and every state except Alaska and Hawaii. They made many trips to California to visit their daughters and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his hobby of creating stain glass lamps, window hangings and many other beautiful pieces for his family and friends.\r\nBill found much pleasure and joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was beloved by all his family and will be sadly missed.\r\nHe is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; two daughters, Barbara (Wayne) Beauchamp and Anne Beauchamp both of Eugene, Oregon; son, Paul (Sandy) Schmidt, Fall Creek; five grandchildren, Lisa Blaeser (Christopher) Casas, Chicago, Jacob Blaeser and Mary (Robert) Abbott, both of Cal, Kenneth (Rebecca) Beauchamp and Jason (Veronica) Beauchamp both of Eugene, Oregon; two step grandchildren, Rusty and Heather Springer both of Eau Claire; seven great-grandchildren; and his brother, Henry (Geraldine) Schmidt of Minneapolis.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; and a great-granddaughter, Sage Blaeser.\r\nFuneral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at Christ Church Cathedral with The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to Christ Church Cathedral, 510 S. Farwell St.Eau Claire, WI 54701.

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