Edward Schmutzer, of Bryant, died Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. He was 87 years old. He was born on February 15, 1929 in in the town of Neva, a son of Laddie and Clara (Legro) Schmutzer. He married Mae Spurgeon on April 12, 1947 at St Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2004.

He attended Deerbrook graded school and as a young man worked at the Deerbrook saw mill, Matteks Grocery store in Neva and drove milk truck for the Neva Cheese factory. His parents died when Ed was young and he began operating the family dairy farm at age 13. He worked the dairy farm all of his life and also grew potato’s. Ed was proud to have lent a helping hand to many area farmers. The family Century farm continues to be operated by his son Randy.

Ed was a member of St. Wencel Catholic Church and enjoyed following the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include a daughter, Kathy Rank, Antigo; two sons, Terry (Judy) Schmutzer, Antigo, Randy Schmutzer, Bryant; four grandchildren Paul Schmutzer and Kristin, Kelly Rank and Denis Kunze, Kori (Paul) Jones, Katy Schmutzer and her husband Tony Long; five great-grandchildren Brennen, Joshua, Jamison, Carson and Cooper; his best friend and dog Nellie.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a daughter Sandy in infancy; a son-in-law Larry Rank; two sisters, Violet Rocke, Lillian Gallenberg, three brothers, Frank, George and Allisious Schmutzer;.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church, Neva with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.