David Frederick Schmidt

David Frederick Schmidt, 79, of Superior, Wisconsin, died peacefully on April 19. Born October 5, 1945, in Watertown, Wisconsin, he was the son of David A. and Vivian Schmidt.

David graduated in 1963 from East High School in Superior. He earned a BS in biology from the University of Wisconsin–Superior four years later.

David joined the US Air Force Security Service, where he served his country as a Communications Intercept Analyst. He described that time during the Vietnam era as “an education in foreign affairs which few have the opportunity to receive.” After his discharge in 1972, David completed additional education at the University of Kansas-Lawrence in geology, paleontology, and museum studies. In 1976, he began a fulfilling career as a museum specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. David felt at home in the Mammal Division of Vertebrate Zoology where he assisted in the intake and preservation of specimens and numerous research projects, including fieldwork assignments in Sierra Leone and the Philippines. He was a collections manager, researcher, and co-author of Smithsonian publications. David retired from this ideal job in 2011 and returned to Superior, his hometown.

David spent his retirement years enjoying his interests in nature photography, advocacy for animals and environmental protection, reading, and increasing his knowledge of World War II history. He selflessly volunteered his time, talents, and expertise at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, and he greatly valued the Center’s impact on all veterans and local history.

David was briefly survived by his beloved black lab, Jake. After fourteen years of loyal companionship, Jake followed his master into eternal rest just a week later. Dave’s survivors include his sister, Karen, of Lynchburg, Virginia, and nephews Christopher Ake of Madison Heights, Virginia, and Matthew Ake of Leland, North Carolina. Many good friends and colleagues in Superior and Washington, D.C., also survive him.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to: Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center, 305 E. 2nd Street, Superior, Wis., 54880, the National Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 1583, Merrifield, VA, 22116-1583, and the Humane Society of Douglas County, 138 Moccasin Mike Road, Superior.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, will assist the family with arrangements. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center will host a time of remembrance for Dave on September 27, 2025 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  Interment will be in Lynchburg, VA with military honors.