Richard Schmidt

Richard Schmidt, 85, passed away on December 15, 2020 after a recent battle with complications brought on by COVID-19. Richard was born on August 12, 1935, in Cleveland OH. Shortly after birth, he and his parents returned to Berlin, Germany where he spent his childhood amidst World War II. He returned to Cleveland at a young age and lived with his grandparents. At age 17 he joined the Navy and was stationed out of Boston during the Korean conflict. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Hildegarde, and a sister, Heidi Ware. Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Laurie Schmidt of Melrose, MA and Lisa Schmidt (James Kim) of Seattle, WA. His three sons, William (Deborah) of Marlborough MA, Richard (Beth) of Holland MI, and Kenneth (Najia) of Melrose MA. His sisters, Ute Wagner-Doring and Erika Lenk both of Germany. Richard also had eight grandchildren; Anna, Elaine, Eric, Jeffrey, Danielle, Natalie, Ollie, and Romy. Richard will always be remembered as extremely devoted to his daughters, sons, and grandchildren. Since a very young age Richard was known for his many passions. He loved abstract art, and pursued careers in this field as well as commercial art and art teaching. Richard loved dogs. He never forgot the times spent with Nelson, Painter, Happy, and of course Bo. He would always take time to pet any dog he would come across along his many journeys. He lived his life One Day at a Time. The family is grateful to the staff of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, for providing exemplary care during his last few years. Richard will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Schmidt, please visit our flower store.