Byron Frederick Schmitz, 81, of Sparta, WI, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the loving presence of his wife, following a courageous 12-year journey on dialysis.
He was born on January 24, 1944, in Wilton, WI, to Wilbert and Katherine (Kast) Schmitz. At the age of 20, Byron enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving in the Vietnam War from 1964–1966. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Mlsna, on October 5, 1968.
Byron was a home builder and a farmer, but most of all, he was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and papa. His family was his life and always came first.
Byron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte; children, Gerald (Julie) Schmitz of Sparta, Thomas (Shelley Sullivan) Schmitz of Sparta, Paul (Lynette) Schmitz of Cashton, and Patricia (Jay) Stanek of Larsen; grandchildren, Heidi (Brandon) Lydon, Sarah (Caeden) Christensen, Trisha (Kyle) Brueggen, Hannah (Tim) Leis, Elizabeth (Cody) Zellmer, and Jack Stanek; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sylvan Schmitz, Marvin Schmitz, Martin Schmitz, David (Chris) Schmitz, Ardella Pieper, Sharon Weiner, Beatrice (Terry) Pfaff, Marian (James) Harrie, and Kristine (Dale) Whipple; sisters-in-law, Diane Schmitz, Lorraine Olson and Barbara (John) Kroener; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents; one infant sister; his brother, Clayton Schmitz; his brothers-in-law, Jerome Weiner and Donald Pieper; and many Mlsna in-laws.
The family would like to thank Dr. Siddiqi and the Onalaska Dialysis staff for their years of care and friendship.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, WI. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation, Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
