Virgil G. Schmieder, 86, of Sparta died Monday, August 14, 2006 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. He was born on August 10, 1920 to Paul and Lydia (Bold) Schmieder. He grew up in Tomah and graduated from Tomah High School in 1939.

     Virgil joined the National Guard and served from June 12, 1939 until February 2, 1940. He entered the U.S. Army on July 31, 1942 being discharged November 20, 1945. He served overseas with the Medics. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

     Virgil attended Milwaukee School of Engineering from 1948 until he graduated in 1950. He worked for the Ladish Company as an Engineer from 1950 until 1990. After retirement he continued living in St. Francis, WI until he moved to Sparta in 2002.

     He is survived by three sisters, Bernadine Van Kirk of Sparta, Beverly Heilman of Tomah, Irene (Ron) Jensen of Sparta; two brothers, Paul Schmieder of Sparta, Martin (Ardell) Schmieder of Evansville, WI; nieces, nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marie Smith; two brothers, Clayton Rich, and Charles Rich.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 2112 will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Thursday from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

     Memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Catholic School Fund.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.