SCHMIDT, ROBERT JOSEPH
3/22/1939 - 1/7/2021
Grand Rapids

With open arms, Jesus has welcomed his good and faithful servant, Robert Joseph Schmidt into His Kingdom on January 7, 2021.

Bob was the oldest of four children born March 22, 1939 to Martin and Alice Schmidt in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Detroit with an electrical engineering degree in 1962 and worked in the aerospace industry until he retired in 2001. Bob lived the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared." He gave generously of his time and talent to many organizations over the years including Sight Seer Radio Reader (for the blind), God's Kitchen, Literacy Center of West Michigan and the Asian Outreach Community where he co-led American citizenship classes for over 400 students. As a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church since the late 1970's, he served on Pastoral Council and was a Stephen Minister. His love of music led him to sing in the church choir as well as the Kentwood Senior Chorale group. Ever active and lover of the outdoors, Bob was a gardener, runner and avid golfer. He celebrated four holes-in-one and hosted the "Schmidt Invitational" for nearly 45 years. For nine triennial Schmidt family reunions, he was an extraordinary interviewer capturing the anecdotes of this colorful clan.

Bob is survived by his wife Boots of 60 years, four loving daughters Becky (Eric) Vetter, Bobbi (Leif) Simonsen, Bonnie (Nancy Houle) Schmidt and Trista (Mark) VanderVoord. He was Grampa to 13 grandchildren and their spouses, and GrampaGrampa to seven great-grandchildren. His extended family also includes Auntie Bee, his sisters, brothers- and sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Alice and Martin Schmidt and his sister Rosemary Nickerson.

Visitation will be held at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood MI 49508 from 4-7 pm on Monday & Tuesday, January 18 & 19, 2021. Bob's Requiem Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11 am at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church located at 1253 52nd St SE Kentwood MI 49508 with one hour visitation preceding mass at church at 10 am. Fr. Phong Pham will preside with Concelebrants Fr. Peter Vu & Fr. Lou Anderson.

Bob (especially) and his family are ever grateful to Faith Hospice for the excellent care he received since his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions supporting organizations of great meaning to Bob can be made to Faith Hospice (https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/) , the Acton Institute
(https://www.acton.org/robert-joseph-schmidt-memorial), or 1776 Unites (https://1776unites.com/get-involved/donate/). Service Details. Visitation
When: Monday, January 18th, 2021 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Second Visitation
When: Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Third Visitation
When: Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: St. Mary Magdalen Church
Address: 1253 52nd Street SE Kentwood, Michigan 49508

Memorial Mass Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 | 11:00am
When: Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 11:00am
Location: St. Mary Magdalen Church
Address: 1253 52nd Street SE Kentwood, Michigan 49508