Published December 25, 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Richard Schmidt, 85, passed away on Dec. 15, 2020, after a recent battle with complications brought on by COVID-19.

Richard was born on Aug. 12, 1935, in Cleveland. 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 con!ict. He was 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 and Lisa Schmidt (James Kim) of Seattle. Also his three sons, William (Deborah) of Marlborough, Richard (Beth) of Holland, Mich., and Kenneth (Najia) of Melrose; and 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, Mich.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Richard’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were by Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Mich.