Donald Keith Schmidt

Donald K. Schmidt, 83, of Honor passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 31, 2023.

Don was born on November 15, 1939 in Frankfort to the late Lyle Franklin and Sarah Madeline (VanSlambrouck) Schmidt.

Don served our country honorably as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 - 1962.

On October 2, 1965, he married Germaine Agnes Fabiszak at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar.
Don was a farmer alongside Germaine. Together they raised beef cattle from 1965 - 1985 and feeder pigs from 1977 - 2017. He was a member of the Farm Bureau, and enjoyed being a part of the 4-H Livestock community. His free time was spent driving his tractor around the farm and enjoying the outdoors. Hobbies of his included spending time in the woods, gardening, bird watching, and socializing with the community. Not to mention his love for a good game of Euchre with family, friends, and neighbors. Faith was important to Don. He and Germaine are devoted members of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert and Susan.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years Germaine; children Sandra (Cristoforo Candela) Schmidt, Leon Schmidt, Gina (Paul) Solem and Patrick (Laura Rocca) Schmidt; grandchildren Kaylene, Alexandra, Vanessa and Raeanne Candela, Isaac and Silja Schmidt, Tatiana, Austin, Jessica and Ethan Solem and Luca and Sara Schmidt; and great grandchildren Oliver Solem and Zander Mathews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip Neri on November 21, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. Military honors will follow the mass and then a luncheon will be held at the church hall.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, the Empire Area Museum, or to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church.