ElRoy V. Kleinschmidt

ElRoy V. Kleinschmidt, 84, of Belgium, Wis., passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at Forest Haven in Fredonia.

ElRoy was born on May 17,1940, in Merrill, Wis., to the late Percy and Dora (Hinz) Kleinschmidt.

ElRoy graduated from Merrill High School in 1958.

On Nov. 22, 1958, he married his sweetheart, Ruth Duginski, in Merrill. The couple welcomed two sons in Merrill before relocating to Watertown, Wis., where they were blessed with a daughter. Finally, in 1972, the family moved to Belgium, where they resided for 53 years.

ElRoy worked at Allen Edmonds for 30-plus years. The couple also owned and operated Family Shoe Service from 1976 to 1990.

He was a proud member of the Belgium Fire Department and Rescue Squad for many years and had been a member of the Belgium Lions and Jaycee Clubs.

ElRoy was a man of great faith, having held many positions at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Belgium, where he was an active charter member.

ElRoy and Ruth were avid campers for 40-plus years and made many lifelong friends along the way. So many wonderful stories from around the campfires at Lake Arrowhead Campground will be cherished forever.

ElRoy enjoyed finding treasures at flea markets or rummage sales for many years. He and Ruth were blessed to have taken numerous trips throughout the years with friends and family, creating wonderful memories. ElRoy would never pass up a good game of sheepshead or cribbage and also enjoyed many fun nights of bingo with friends and family.

ElRoy leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Ruth, and daughter Karla. He is also survived by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many wonderful family friends.

ElRoy was preceded in death by his son Jess Kleinschmidt, son Nick Kleinschmidt, grandson Victor Kleinschmidt, grandson Nathan Heintz and son-in-law Brian Dodson.

A funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, WI 53004. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home in a time of visitation from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

ElRoy will be laid to rest at Holden East Cemetery in Port Washington.

If desired, memorials in ElRoy’s name are suggested to St. Mark Lutheran in Belgium or to the Belgium Fire Department.

The Kleinschmidt family would like to thank the staff at Forest Haven and Preceptor Hospice for their excellent care and support.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Belgium is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.