Herbert Schmidt, 95, passed away peacefully on October 20th in Dunedin, Florida. Known to most of the people in his life as Herb, he was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend who always had time to help others and lend a supportive ear.
Born in East Prussia in 1928, he was raised in Verden, Germany. Herb immigrated to the United States in 1952 and served in the Army from 1953-1955. After his military service, Herb put down roots in Racine, Wisconsin where he worked for the American Motors Corporation, (AMC), for 30 years eventually managing their Tool & Die division. After retiring from AMC, he pursued a second career at Multi-Products Corporation.
Herb was always actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine where he also volunteered as an usher and provided German translation services to a number of pastors. He was an active member of the German Club in Racine.
When he retired to Florida, Herb didn’t stop moving or giving of his time to others. He became an active volunteer for the Mease Dunedin Hospital’s CareLift van which provides transportation to and from doctors appointments for the elderly, and was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, regularly participating in services held in German.
Herb was a fitness enthusiast until the very end of his life. He played soccer in his earlier days, walked to work when he could and could be seen on his twice daily walks on the Honeymoon Island causeway and beach. On the days leading up to his peaceful passing, Herb was still doing his loops around Mease Life, the retirement community in which he was living at the time.
Herb had a lust for life, a curiosity about the world and the people around him and a desire to help others. He and his family traveled extensively to many continents and spent summers with their German relatives in Julich and Verden. He was a voracious reader and could often be found with his nose in a book, surrounded by dozens of others he would soon tackle.
He made a difference in the lives of many who will remember him for the time he devoted to lending a helping hand, whether it was to fix a plumbing issue or provide advice about a particular problem – always with his infectious smile and twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He was the consummate gentleman and a dapper dresser who was also known for his German stubborn streak. He wouldn’t let go of a problem until it was solved.
Herb is survived by his daughters Sandra Scholl and Petra Schmidt, son-in law, Andrew Colocotronis, grandson Sebastian Scholl, brother Fred Schmidt, sister Ulla Bormann, as well as grandchildren, nieces
and cousins. He was preceded in death by his second wife Brunhilde Schmidt (Huepgen) and first wife,
Valentine Langner.
A funeral service will be held on November 10th, 11:00 am at West Lawn Memorial Park Chapel in Racine, Wisconsin as well as memorial service on January 5th at Mease Life in Dunedin, Florida. Services are also planned in Verden, Germany in the autumn of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Herbert Schmidt to Mease Dunedin Hospital c/o Carelift, 601 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida 34698
