James Leroy Schmiedlin

LODI-James Leroy Schmiedlin passed from this life on June 11, 2016.  He began this 96 year journey on January 14, 1920.  He grew up in Lodi, WI. His positive attitude carried him through life. He always tried to lift the spirits of those around him. His life credo was: it is our duty to show kindness and care to our fellow man.  He attended college at UW-Eau Claire, and on February 1, 1940 he married his High School Sweetheart,  Elsbeth Jane Wells and they went on to have five children: James Palmer, Robert Bradley, Suzanne, Chrisandra Jane and Julie Elsbeth.  They raised most of their brood on what was called "The Sand Farm" in Lodi which would always remain Jim's home in his heart, with small town familiarity and stories of friendships and falling in love taking place in this wonderful little Midwest town.  Jim loved to share stories and interact with people.   He loved to surround his family with animals - teaching them always to love and respect them as much as any people they would come to know.  The birth of puppies or a pony was always an event to be shared and used to teach us the beginning of this circle of life. Jim spent all of his career in some genre of healthcare.  He served during WWII as a medic in the Navy and cared for his fellow veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  After his discharge he worked briefly at Oscar Meyer and then went on to work for the State making sure that those in Psychiatric Facilities were receiving humane and proper treatment.  He then went on to work at Central Center, in Madison.  In 1966 he and Elsbeth moved their family to Janesville where he served as Assistant Superintendent at Rock Haven Nursing home until his final career presented itself in 1969 and he accepted the position of Superintendent of Eau Claire County Hospital.  He stayed in that position until his retirement in 1979.  He then designed an underground earthen home for him and Elsbeth back in their beloved Lodi.  They enjoyed many years in their retirement home and Jim remained active in Lodi community affairs serving as Town Board Chairman for several years, writing many articles for the Lodi Enterprise. All of Jim's life was truly dedicated to helping those with psychiatric conditions of all types but particularly those that concerned alcoholism and addiction.  He was an early advocate of the use of multiple types of help and hope and worked closely with AA and addiction therapy and treatment.  This continued to be a passion for him throughout his life.  His belief to the end was that he wanted people to know there was a way out of their suffering and his biggest hope was that anyone dealing with alcoholism and addiction - be it the person or their family members and loved ones - find help, comfort and ultimately mental and emotional health.  Jim taught empathy by his continual care for others and taught his children resilience through difficulty, gentleness to self and others and always to find laughter in our lives, preferably on a daily basis.   In the end he also taught us the lesson of the end of the circle of life.  He met it with willingness, humor, acceptance and kindness to all who were around him. He prepared all of us with love in his passing and took the time to comfort all who expressed sadness in his passing.  He said he looked forward to his next journey - and that he would see us again, he was sure of it.  He managed to make this end of life experience one of joy, and laughter which was shared until he simply could not express those emotions anymore. Jim said he would be meeting his wife Elsbeth who passed before him on July 9, 2015 and his daughter Chrisandra Sarda.  He leaves behind his sons, James (Penelope) Schmiedlin and Robert (Lorraine) Schmiedlin; his daughters, Suzanne (James) Fitzgerald and Julie (John) Cakanic; his grandchildren, Heidi (Scott) Ness, Andrew (India) Schmiedlin, Deborah(Chris) Pakyz, Kristen Schmiedlin, Elizabeth (Edward) Brey, James (Kimberly) Fitzgerald, Stefanie (Jason) Teske,  Rhea (Bailey Padesky) Lyons and Ian and Emma Cakanic, as well as several great-grandchildren.  The family wishes to thank the staff of Lodi Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg for their support and superb and loving care. A celebration of life will be held at GOOD SAMITAN SOCIETY LODI CHAPEL, 700 Clark Street on June 26, 2016 from 1-3pm with a short service starting at 2. Jim asked that in lieu of flowers all gifts be contributed to Reach Out Lodi Community and Resource Center, P.O Box 316, Lodi, WI Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201