Richard Erwin Schmidt

Mr. Schmidt passed away early Thursday afternoon July 9, 2015 at Bay Medical Care Facility. Age 80 years. The son of the late Erwin F. and Lydia (Niernberg) Schmidt was born November 4, 1934 in Bay City and has resided here all of his life. Dick retired from Defoe Ship Building Company and General Motors Co. - Saginaw Manufacturing after many years of service. He was an active member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir. He was an avid baseball and NASCAR fan and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. On September 28, 1957 he married his wife of fifty seven years the former Carole J. Merkle and she is left behind to cherish his memories along with one daughter and son-in-law: Greta S. Schmidt and Michael Andaluz of Pontiac, one son and daughter-in-law: Matthew and Cathy Schmidt of Bay City, three grandchildren: Ryan Schmidt, Greg Schmidt and David Schmidt, three great grandchildren: Brayden, Emma and Chloe Schmidt, two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law: Dale G. and Mary Lynn Merkle, Jon Wm. and Margaret Merkle and Anna Merkle, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bay Medical Care Facility for the kind and compassionate care they extended to Mr. Schmidt during the time they cared for him. Funeral and Committal Service will take place Monday July 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Paul E. Schweppe with private interment in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Schmidt will be taken to the church on Monday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial cards for St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer's Association, Lutheran Child and Family Service or the donor's favorite charity will be available.